Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

While the Minister may have eased some of the concerns of the Irish Greyhound Board and Hunting Association of Ireland, Fine Gael continues to have reservations about this legislation. We are being asked to put a lot of trust in what the Minister is saying, which I find hard to do. I made a genuine effort to amend this Bill during its initial Stages in the Seanad. However, my suggestions fell on deaf ears until the Minister's hand was forced.

I will outline Fine Gael's reservations in respect of this legislation as the Minister makes his report to the Seanad of the Dáil amendments to the Bill. Fine Gael supports animal welfare legislation to ensure the proper administration, inspection and regulation of puppy farms. As stated during the early stages of debate on this Bill, we have no difficulty whatsoever in this regard. Many Fine Gael Deputies and Senators were the first to raise these issues in both Houses a number of years ago. The issue was raised in the Seanad by Senator Cummins and in the Dáil by Deputy Doyle. We welcome measures to improve animal welfare in terms of puppy farms. However, we believe the legislation as initiated in the Seanad goes far beyond that and into areas it need not have gone at all. While the amendments made to the Bill have addressed some of the issues raised we continue to have reservations about it.