Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I will reassure Members. We will not introduce a statutory instrument with a series of regulations without having engaged in broad consultations. It is important that we not do anything that would inconvenience people or animals unnecessarily. The legislation will not have a negative impact on commercial farming where there is good reason to use normal, sensible farming practices in dealing with animals. There will be no change in that regard.

The regulations will probably need to bring clarity to the issue of hunting dogs. I take that point on board and we will try to address it through the regulations.