Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

If the Senator reads the section, he will see that it reads, a "person shall not, except in accordance with animal health and welfare regulations, [this is where the statutory instrument comes in] perform an operation or procedure (with or without the use of instruments) involving interference with the sensitive tissue". It is a question of ensuring people do not cut costs and corners by operating on animals without providing appropriate painkillers. Doing otherwise is not acceptable. However, the requirement laid down must be within reason. The statutory instrument will provide for clarity in this regard. We will discuss the matter with farming organisations, in particular. People will understand the Bill's overall thrust is to ensure animals are not operated on without the obligation to kill or control their pain being met. Most Members present know what activities constitute normal farming practices, be they the minding of sheep or cattle. They will be covered in the statutory instrument.