Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I am happy to withdraw the amendment in the light of what the Minister has said. However, I would ask him to consider the payment of dog licences and the introduction of an electronic means of registration. The latter would help to increase the number of dog registrations. I take the opportunity to bring that to the Minister's attention. Much of the money going to An Post could be reinvested where it should be, namely, the care of dogs by local authorities.

I draw the Minister's attention to another matter relating to the section although we have not tabled an amendment on it. Section 12(1)(a) to (e) refers to dog breeding establishments of varying sizes. Would the Minister consider including the words "for the purposes of breeding"? In effect, that is what this Bill is about, namely, the regulation of breeding establishments. It should not be seen to be a catch-all measure. Other legislative Acts deal with animal welfare and greyhounds, for example. The purpose of this Bill is to regulate breeding establishments. We need to be more clear and specific in our language in that regard. I urge the Minister to consider tabling such an amendment on Report Stage.