Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

A couple of points were raised, to which I have not yet responded, including the matter of consultation. In response to a notice placed in the national press, the working group received 27 submissions from a variety of animal welfare and veterinary bodies, local authorities and private individuals. A total of 652 submissions were received by my Department following the release of the report of the working group, most of which were in favour of regulation to some degree.

On the point concerning costs and whether local authorities will be in a position to meet the financial demands, Senators will be aware that the legislation provides for a charge on dog breeding establishments, which runs from €400 for an establishment with more than 12 bitches and up to €3,000 for those with 200 bitches. There will be an income stream to local authorities which have such breeding establishments in their catchment areas.