Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I am pleased the Senator took the opportunity to clarify comments he made in a previous debate on the Dogs Trust. My understanding is the Dogs Trust does a good job. It is very professional in what it does and it is very well funded. In many ways it is one of a number of animal welfare organisations which sets the standard both in terms of this country and the United Kingdom. I would have a lot of faith in its activities, as I would in the ISPCA and many other welfare organisations. That said, when I appoint authorised officers, I must be careful that I appoint people who have experience and in all cases qualifications so that they know what they are doing rather than being driven by a well-meaning but inappropriate sense of enthusiasm for the protection of animals.

In order that I am not misunderstood, what I have said is that in certain instances we should put a panel of authorised officers together that is not necessarily composed of vets or veterinary nurses but that those on the panel would be experienced and would have worked with organisations such as the Dogs Trust, the ISPCA or other such organisations. We must make a distinction between the work of authorised officers on farms and commercial operations and private dwellings. In many ways, certain people who work with the ISPCA or the Dogs Trust would have more experience than some authorised officers in my Department in investigations on the abuse of animals or cruelty to animals within private homes. We should use that experience if it is made available. I understand it will be made available if we want to use the resource.

I agree with Senator Mooney's comments. We will try to get the balance right between, on the one hand, using the vast experience that exists, in many cases on a voluntary level, and at the same time ensuring we have panels of people who are experienced and qualified to make the right judgment calls. Ultimately, authorised officers have a lot of power in the legislation. They can enter premises. They must have a reason to enter a private dwelling. They are getting a lot of responsibility and legal protection so one must ensure the right person is involved who will use sound judgment and who has the necessary experience and qualifications to make the right decisions.