Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

For the benefit of the House and the Minister who was not in attendance for the debate on Committee Stage on the last day, this amendment was tabled in an effort to acknowledge the needs of people already involved in operating breeding establishments. The Minister has already acknowledged that a three month lead-in time is required. I presume it is to give those people an opportunity to get their houses in order to meet the requirements of the new regulations that may come into force once the Bill is enacted.

Planning or other requirements might apply and Fine Gael believes a more reasonable timeframe of 12 months would be more appropriate. If the housing conditions in establishments are not adequate, sufficient time should be given to the people and the stakeholders involved to apply for planning permission and to get their relevant structures and establishments in order.

I said during the debate on the last day that if this is to be good legislation, it is important there is a good buy-in to it and that all stakeholders have a good understanding of it and trust in it. This is a reasonable amendment to offer those people an opportunity to bring their breeding establishments and the structures in which they house their animals up to an adequate standard. I hope the Minister will consider extending the period from three to 12 months if at all possible.