Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Senators for their co-operation on this Bill. It is good legislation, and I thank my staff who have worked tirelessly on it and undertaken consultation, in most of which I was not involved. When I was in the House previously, I mentioned that I would bring in an animal health and welfare Bill and we have decided to initiate that Bill in the Seanad, so I am looking forward to hearing comments on it. Animal welfare broadens the focus of my Department outside of the food industry, agriculture and fisheries into the living room of everyone who has a dog, cat or a budgie. We are doing ambitious things with animal welfare in the Bill that will be of interest to people, so I hope Senators consider it appropriate and significant that we have chosen to initiate that Bill in the Seanad.