Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

The Minister said he had consulted Veterinary Ireland. My understanding is the Department has not consulted regional game councils. Therefore, the Minister is only getting one part of the equation. I do not wish in any way to cast aspersions on the professional integrity and objectivity of the veterinary profession. I raise the point to ensure there is no ambiguity or ambivalence on the matter, as the Minister attempted to do by moving his amendment, within the framework of health and safety and of the amendment, and the long-standing practice, as exercised by responsible hunting people, will not in any way be inhibited because of the law being interpreted in such a way as to prevent it happening by someone saying it is not in the best interests of the health and welfare of the animal.

I focus specifically on dogs. On a personal level it seems a horrible practice to dock dogs' tails. I think of my pet at home. I am trying to put forward a particular argument to ensure that if docking has been working in practice and there are no indications through the Department of it being interpreted in the narrow context in which I debate the issue as being the mutilation of an animal or the animal's health and welfare being compromised, the Minister can ensure through the legislation the practice will continue but with oversight. I accept there must be a form of oversight. That was my only reason to suggest it to the Minister. I did not intend him or whoever holds the office to do it, but that the Minister would have the resources available to him or her to ensure a balanced conclusion.