Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I appreciate that. We are told the costs will be neutral to the Exchequer but will the Minister of State clarify that to the House? I quoted an example earlier relating to dog licences, where €2.9 million was raised in 2007 with a cost of operation at €5.4 million. Will the Minister of State outline to the House the cost of this and who will incur that cost?

I will revert to my earlier fundamental point despite protests from the Members opposite. What happens where a local authority may not be able to provide the service as outlined? I am concerned on a number of levels about the cost. I do not mean to pre-empt the Minister of State's reply but he has the potential to ask the greyhound owners, trainers and breeders to foot the bill for this. Is that the intention? What will the cost be and will there be an annual licence fee increase? What difficulties does the Minister of State see in the administration of the scheme and could there be a case where there will be a loss of revenue to the local authority?

I would like to see the cost structure being properly outlined and explained. There must be proportionality in the process. I appreciate that the fees cannot all be outlined in the Bill but will they be reasonable relative to the costs for the industry? The Minister of State should respond to the issue as there are significant implications for the industry.

Lest the Members opposite forget after Senator Boyle's monologue-----