Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein)

I welcome the Minister and his officials to the House. Deputy Coveney, with his great grasp of his portfolio, is one of the Ministers to whom I enjoy listening to most in this Chamber and I welcome him back. Sinn Féin welcomes this Bill, which is of great importance to the economy and in particular, to the rural way of life, which has taken some severe hits in these times of economic crisis. It is important to get this legislation right and Sinn Féin will approach the Bill with a mind to improve on what constitutes a good basis. Its introduction is to be welcomed and as other Members have noted, the current legislation is outdated and it is clear the health and welfare of animals must be brought in line. Moreover, improvements in technology, communications and animal welfare science mean this overhaul is overdue. The manner in which Ireland's agricultural industry is viewed internationally is extremely important to the economy and, therefore, it is essential that the highest standard of animal health and welfare is maintained to protect the name of Irish agriculture abroad. In addition, the brand of Irish food must be promoted and guaranteed at all costs. It is one of our major industries and has a huge role to play in creating economic growth.

Animal health and welfare are inextricably linked. All Members have heard the expression, "Healthy cows are happy cows". It is also important that the public image of animal welfare and animal farming is looked after. Citizens must have confidence in our meat and dairy products and therefore, it is critical that any breaches are dealt with in a manner that includes an element of reassurance to citizens. However, it is important not to place too great a level of bureaucracy on farmers. It is in the interests of both the farmer and the State that the health and welfare of animals are catered for. This is the reason a genuine, mutually respectful relationship must be established and maintained between the State, its agents and farmers on the ground. It is essential that farmers who lose livestock due to disease receive proper and adequate compensation for this loss. Everyone is aware that the loss of livestock can have a severe impact on the financial position of farmers and because the policy is to keep as many farmers on the land as possible, the absence of an adequate compensation system would make it difficult for farmers to re-establish a footing in the agricultural industry. This is the reason such compensation should be provided on a systematic basis and not necessarily in an ad hoc fashion.

There are also concerns regarding the powers that are to be granted in this legislation to authorised officers, for example, to search premises and gather information. The constitutional rights of farmers and animal owners should not be breached. In addressing this Bill, I must point out there is widespread concern at the manner in which the Department's special investigations unit has carried out some - I emphasise some - of its work, indicating that in a range of cases, it has abused some of the extensive powers given to it under legislation. I know of one case in my home county of Cavan that is highly distressing and in which an injustice has been done. I believe we need stronger safeguards for the rights of citizens, including an avenue of appeal other than the courts.

The Minister stated, in respect of the authorised officer, that he had no intention of appointing anyone under the proposed legislation who has not been adequately trained and who was not qualified to act in a professional manner in respect of the duties undertaken under this legislation. Similarly, the explanatory memorandum states that such people will be appointed with powers related to only limited parts of the Bill. In this respect, it is important that the position should not be given to private companies. Members have spoken of how critical this industry is to Ireland's economy and culture and it is too important to be left to what could be perceived as middlemen. I also wish to avail of the opportunity after this debate to engage with the departmental officials on section 37, which provides for authorised officers, with a view to considering it on Committee Stage. I thank the Minister for offering the facility. In addition, a stronger regime must be put in place with reference to education, information and prevention to balance the strong emphasis on prosecution as perceived by the special investigations unit.

It is imperative that there be co-operation between the Six Counties and the Twenty-six Counties with regard to animal health and welfare. Harmonising legislation between the jurisdictions would help with disease eradication and would prevent those who abuse animals from having legal impunity on either side of the Border. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North, Ms Michelle O'Neill, is working diligently to improve animal welfare in the North and consequently, the maximum level of co-operation is required. I again thank the Minister for introducing this legislation. Sinn Féin will support it although I will seek further advice from his officials in respect of Committee Stage.