Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I do not propose to accept this amendment. Section 19 provides for a closure notice to be served on an establishment if there is a serious or immediate threat to public health or animal welfare. Section 19(2)() enables a local authority to require an operator to rehouse all dogs. In addition, it provides that such removal be at the operator's expense. Non-compliance shall be an offence. The proposed amendment makes no reference to who will pay for the removal and, therefore, it would likely fall to the local authority to absorb the costs. I am also wary of pre-empting the provisions of the animal welfare Bill which is being prepared by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.