Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The first person mentioned in section 16 is a veterinary practitioner and there is a follow-on from that. That has been the experience to date in local authorities.

To respond to the question that there may be a challenge, I said earlier that I am not aware of any instance in this jurisdiction where the activities of any person used by local authorities has been successfully challenged or where there has been any case of abuse or misuse of the position. That is after almost a quarter of a century during which the legislation has been place. It has been effectively implemented by the local authority system.

Senator Burke raised the matter of staff. Different local authorities would have different levels of activity in dog breeding in their jurisdictions and catchment areas. Some have very limited dog breeding establishments and some may have a large number. It will be a matter for local authorities to establish the level of activity in the area and the appropriate response. It may be a part-time position in some areas and it may involve an existing officer dealing with dog welfare. A vet or an authorised officer may also be appointed on a part-time or full-time basis. It will be a matter for the local authority to establish the need to respond to the level of activity in the catchment.