Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I compliment the Minister of State on the consultation process in which he engaged before introducing this Bill. It is a far cry from the former Minister who introduced legislation in this House while completely unaware of other Acts that dealt with dog breeding. I also compliment Members on their informed debate on this subject.

On a separate issue, children under 18 cannot buy a lottery ticket or enter a bookies but they still can place bets at the Tote at dog tracks. While I am not a killjoy – I enjoy a bet myself – children being allowed to place a bet at a dog track will have to be addressed in forthcoming betting legislation.