Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

The Senator's colleague was. She lost the plot a little.

I refer to the level of compliance, the method of enforcement and who will be the authorised person because the definition of an "authorised person" is not clear. I appreciate where Senator O'Malley is coming from. Many people involved in animal welfare have the right intention and are well motivated. I may fundamentally disagree with them and abhor what they attempt to do in some cases. We need to clarify the point at issue. I cite the example of the former manager of the Cork greyhound track, who is now retired. Is he eligible to be an authorised person or is a member of one of the groups concerned with animal welfare who communicates anonymously with us by e-mail or letter eligible to be an authorised person? Have the veterinary officers in each local authority area any role to play in this? Will they be the authorised persons in this respect?

Senator Coffey asked what duty the ISPCA will have. Many interpretations could be taken from the wording of the section. It is considerably vague and it needs to be clarified. I did not catch all of what the Minister of State said on this section but I gather he referred to the fact that the Minister was willing to engage. That is strange given that up to now there has been no willingness on his part to do so.

The Minister of State misinterpreted my question when I asked about the level of consultation. I asked and ask again in the context of this section-----