Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire arís agus muid ag plé an Bhille thábhachtaigh seo. Tógfaidh mé ar bord an méid atá ráite aige agus glacaim leis go bhfuil sé le gach dea-mhéin ag glacadh leis an moladh a bhí déanta againn. I applaud the Minister for having the foresight to consider the point made by Sinn Féin that there was a potential loophole in the legislation. It is interesting that this has happened just after our debate on Seanad reform. We are sometimes critical of Ministers who do not consider suggestions we make, but this Minister has done so on a number of occasions. We mentioned not only that the legislation would have an impact on people under 16 who owned animals, but also that we needed to cover the eventuality of a person under 16 being in possession of an animal that had been won as a prize. We have considered the amendment tabled by the Minister and we feel it deals with our concerns. Therefore, we will not press amendment No. 24. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as an moladh a thógáil ar bord.