Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 15:

In page 15, lines 41 and 42 and in page 16, lines 1 to 5, to delete subsection (1) and substitute the following:

"(1) The Local Authority may designate such and so many of its officials and/or veterinary practitioners who are employed by the Department of Agriculture as "authorised persons" for the purposes of this Act.".

There is much concern regarding the definition of the "authorised persons" who will be involved in the inspection regime put in place by the Bill. Section 16(1)() states that a local authority may appoint veterinary practitioners. We would not have a problem in this regard, as vets have qualifications and backgrounds in this area. It is section 16(1)() that has caused the greyhound industry and dog breeders significant concern. There is no clear definition of an authorised person. Rather, the Bill states: "persons connected with animal welfare with whom an arrangement has been entered into under section 15(3) of the Act of 1986". This definition is too vague and many people are concerned that "persons connected with animal welfare" could mean anyone. What qualifications and backgrounds would these persons have?

Many genuine people are involved in organisations such as the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ISPCA, but I suggest these organisations have been infiltrated by animal liberation extremists. I will not name names but it is a real concern that people who have been involved in sabotage and in threatening people who are involved in country sports are also involved in these organisations.