John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

This is directly related to the amendment. Under subsection (1) a local authority may appoint as authorised persons veterinary practitioners and any persons connected with animal welfare with whom an arrangement has been entered into under section 15(3) of the Act of 1986. Subsection (2) goes further and reads: "A body with which a local authority has entered into an arrangement under section 15(3) of the Act of 1986 may, after consultation with that local authority, appoint such and so many of its members of staff, as it considers appropriate". Under this provision, if a local authority decides to subcontract the entire process of inspecting dog breeding facilities, the subcontractor may, following consultation with the local authority - whatever that means - appoint whoever it wants to be an inspector. In those circumstances, anyone can be appointed an inspector.

The Fine Gael Party amendment is simple and straightforward and seeks to limit persons who may be involved in the inspection of dog breeding facilities to individuals employed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or local authorities. It would make common sense to accept it.