Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

As with any amendments tabled, the wording may not be 100% perfect. If the Minister of State is willing to accept the spirit of our amendment, minor drafting details can be resolved.

Everyone must recognise that the way the section is written could, in theory, provide for any person to be appointed as an authorised officer. A previous speaker asked whether it was likely that local authorities would allow any person to be appointed. The answer is that we do not know but the legislation allows for that possibility. We need to tighten up on that possible cause of dispute.

As this debate has progressed, it is disappointing that we have moved further away from the starting point which was everyone's unanimous view that puppy farming should be tightly and properly regulated and that some of the scare stories we have heard should be no more. However, some of the excessive phraseology in the legislation is leading to a little difficulty in that regard.

I ask the Minister of State to consider carefully our suggestion. In response to early queries, he said there would be a review in 12 months. For this legislation to operate in a way that satisfies all and causes no further doubt as to its impact in its early stages, it is important authorised officers satisfy any doubts by virtue of their qualification and veterinary expertise.

Section 15(2), which allows a local authority to enter into an arrangement to appoint so many members of staff to be authorised persons, needs to be redrafted. I ask the Minister of State to take on board our amendment which, despite all the drama of the past half an hour, is a sensible check which will allay fears.

I accept the majority of Members want to put in place legislation which is worthwhile, workable and has no hidden agenda. Any loose sections which could be abused and misused must be amended. I ask the Minister of State to take on board what is our very reasonable amendment which will make life easier for all of us in trying to support this legislation.