Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Section 14(2) reads, "The operator of a dog breeding establishment shall keep such records as may be prescribed at the dog breeding establishment and shall make them available for inspection by an authorised person or the local authority". What is meant by an "authorised person"? Who will this be? Is it a vet, a dog warden or anyone involved, or supposedly so, in animal welfare? Could it be someone involved with the animal liberation crowd? I have spoken about their activities and involvement in this country and the threats they have made to people involved in the industry and breeders. Ordinary decent dog breeders are afraid of them. The Bill will mean having the names and addresses of establishments and everything else on show for them to examine. No wonder those involved in the greyhound and dog industries are concerned about having their names and registration details on public display.

Is the Minister of State aware of what the Minister of State, Deputy Power, meant when he spoke at the function last week? I suggest it is an abuse of the House if the proposals and promises made at that function are not discussed here. We have not even received an indication from the Minister of State that the amendments will be introduced on Report Stage. Was the Minister of State, Deputy Power, merely preaching and saying what people wanted to hear, while we in this House have nothing with which to back it up? That is what is happening. It is an abuse of the House if one Minister of State tells the greyhound industry that changes will be made, while in this House, when there is an opportunity to make those changes, amendments are not tabled and there has been no indication they will be tabled on Report Stage. If that is the case, it is an obvious abuse of and slur on the House.

Will the Minister of State indicate what his feelings are on this matter and state whether the Minister of State, Deputy Power, was correct in his assertion that the Bill, as proposed, would not be passed, as significant amendments would be made? If that is the case, when will the amendments be tabled?

These are questions which should be answered in the House. If we are to be treated with contempt, let the Minister of State say the amendments will not be introduced in this House but may be introduced in the other House. Otherwise untruths have been told to those involved in the greyhound industry. We need to be clear and above board in the House. The Minister of State should tell us, the industry and the breeders of dogs, irrespective of whether they are hunting dogs or pets, exactly what is going on. Otherwise we are being treated with contempt.