Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. I support my colleague, Senator Coffey, in his proposition of this amendment. Three months is an unreasonably short time for any of our walks of life or businesses. To make considerable changes or even become familiar with the terms of the legislation, a three-month period is unrealistic. The amendment should be viewed in those terms.

If the Minister accepts the amendment it would be a sign that he is involved in a consultative two-way process with breeders and this is not confrontation but rather a joint attempt to do what is right. The Houses of the Oireachtas are part of that joint attempt rather than forming part of a diktat from on high. It is unreasonable to ask people to adapt, in so far as they need to, within a three-month period. It would be too much of a shock and unrealistic. No other sector would be asked to do it. When we move people in offices, we give them money. Under this legislation we will ask breeders to reorganise in a similar fashion. In the interests of common sense, I hope the Minister will accept the amendment.