Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister. As the first person to raise the puppy farm issue in this House more than six years ago, I welcome legislation that may eradicate the problems we saw on our television screens and on many occasions witnessed.

As I stated on the last occasion when Report Stage of the Bill came before this House, I regret the Minister was not in a position to bring these amendments before the House. Had he done so he would have saved himself and many Members what followed. The Minister was not aware of the Greyhound Act 1958 when first mentioned on this side of the House. I am glad he has undertaken to look at it as it deals with animal welfare and that he will ensure the greyhound industry will continue to be regulated under that Act. I look forward to speaking on some of the groups of amendments.