Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I do not propose the Senator's proposed amendment which would have the effect of excluding those connected with animal welfare from being appointed as authorised persons. It is important to remember that this provision continues the good practice provided in section 15 of the 1986 Control of Dogs Act whereby a local authority may enter into an arrangement with persons connected with animal welfare. This provision has been helpful to local authorities and has been implemented responsibly. For this reason, the continuation of the provisions of section 16 should not give rise to concern.

I restate the provisions in the 1986 Control of Dogs Act. Under section 15(3) of the Act, "a local authority may enter into arrangements with any other local authority, or with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or, with the consent of the Minister, with a person connected with animal welfare, for the exercise of all or any of its functions". This provision has enabled the proper functioning of the Control of Dogs Act and allowed local authorities to enlist the assistance of expert advice and assistance in their duties. I am not aware of any instances in this jurisdiction where the activities of any person used by local authorities have been successfully challenged or of any cases of abuse or misuse of the position. I am somewhat concerned, therefore, as to the reason there is such opposition to the extension of a practice that has been in place since 1986.

Senators have raised the fears expressed to them that extreme animal rights activists would inveigle themselves into being appointed as authorised officers and this would enable them to invade dog breeding establishments. This scenario is somewhat fanciful. Local authorities are well aware of the responsibilities attendant on the appointment of an authorised officer under the Bill and are likely to be careful in respect of those persons they appoint.

It should be a matter of reassurance to Senators that the provisions in the Bill have been in place in a similar form since 1986. The dog statistics compiled annually in the Department indicate that over the years, approximately half of local authorities have subcontracted significant elements of the dog control functions to animal welfare organisations, generally the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. That so many local authorities have built up a long-term relationship should reassure Senators that they will only act responsibly in appointing authorised officers and that such authorised officers will act responsibly in the performance of their duties.