Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

This is a very reasonable amendment which the Minister should take on board. When the Bill is enacted, this section will have consequences for people in the industry. They will have to make their minds up in some cases as to whether they will stay in the breeding business, which will entail financial decisions and going to bank managers. It is not difficult to get an audience with a bank manager nowadays but it is difficult to get a decision as to whether extra facilities will be extended or existing facilities will be withdrawn.

It is a reasonable amendment put forward by Senator Coffey extending the period from three months to 12. In the economic circumstances we face and in view of new legislation which will require people to make decisions on the future of their businesses in some cases, it seems a reasonable amendment. I hope the Minister will not divide the House on the matter. The people on the Government side are supportive of this amendment and see it as reasonable. The House should not be divided as I have no doubt that Senator Coffey will press the amendment.