Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 15, subsection (4), line 3, to delete "may" and substitute "shall".

Section 14(4) currently reads that the Minister "may" issue guidelines on the operation of dog breeding establishments and the compliance by operators of dog breeding establishments with this Act. The effect of amendments Nos. 11 and 12 would be that the Minister "shall" issue guidelines on the operation of dog breeding establishments and compliance by operators of dog breeding establishments with this Act upon this Bill being enacted. If guidelines are to be regarded as essential for the motive and purpose of the Bill to be accomplished, it is essential for such guidelines to be in place on the enactment of the Bill so as not to delay any further the good effects of it. People may also be assured of certainty in the implications of the Bill with regard to the regulatory and inspection regime that will apply to dog breeding establishments. I hope the Minister of State will surprise me and give an answer in the affirmative, saying that at the very least the Government will look seriously at bringing forward an amendment to that effect on Report Stage.