Mark Dearey (Green Party)

I am coming to this relatively fresh, which may not be a disadvantage. I can see the welfare issues involved and the danger that a 12 month period will be interpreted as a charter for the underbelly of the industry that we all abhor. Twelve months for some of these individuals is more than enough time to adapt. I have seen this is in other sectors along the Border over the years, so I would be wary of creating a timeframe that is too lenient, given the very serious animal welfare issues that this Bill is attempting to address.