Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

We had quite a long conversation about this issue this morning. I think what the Senator is asking for is not unreasonable. This section is clearly not about farming, unless somebody is farming animals for fighting. If that is the case, we are coming after such people. This is one of the sections about which I feel very strongly. That is why this section refers to anyone who records, bets on, keeps, breeds, generates income from, provides information, publicity or promotion for any form of dog fighting, cock fighting, animal baiting, wrestling, fighting or struggling with an animal, or throwing or casting ropes on animals. In other words, human beings should not be entertaining themselves by organising and breeding animals to fight each other. That is something which we will deal with comprehensively in this Bill.

If we look at this in a legalistic way, the Senator's concerns are probably not founded, but I would like to put it in as a belt and braces approach to make sure that nobody is under any illusions. We have said that we would look at a wording on Report Stage that would put this issue beyond doubt. The beginning of the section states that "A person shall not organise or cause or permit to take place any performance involving", and then it lists a series of activities, including "riding or attempting to ride an animal which, by the use of any appliance or treatment, is or has been stimulated with the intention of making it buck, or any other activity that may cause unnecessary suffering to an animal and is prohibited by animal health and welfare regulations." We cover almost everything in this list, but for the avoidance of any doubt, it may be no harm that any normal farm practices should not be included in this category. We will have a look at the wording. It probably only means adding one or two extra words. I take the spirit of the Senator's amendments, and we will try to bring something back on Report Stage to reflect that spirit, so that farmers and farming organisations do not have a concern. I hope the Senator will withdraw his amendments, on the basis of the commitments I have given.