Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo the other Senators' sentiments and thank the Minister. This is what parliamentary democracy should BE about - a Minister coming in with a piece of legislation and not rubbishing proposed amendments. While some of the amendments we initially proposed may not have been 100% correct, the Minister acknowledged our intent, went back, made amendments in the Dáil and the officials worked overtime on it. This is substantial legislation as it crosses over a multitude of legislation in the Department. It deals with every animal in the country, each of which has a right to be protected and the Bill does that.

Obviously farmers had genuine concerns. We needed to marry those genuine concerns with the greater good of protecting animals. That has been achieved in the best possible manner. I thank the Minister for his co-operation. I agree with Senator Ó Clochartaigh. In the past there were Fianna Fáil Ministers who would not even accept amendments from ourselves when we were on the other side of the House. Every Minister should learn to accept amendments or provide an explanation as to why it is not possible to do so. The Minister has certainly done well in that regard.

The fodder crisis has been referred to and I do not want to get into it too much today. There is a need for additional fodder particularly in the west of Ireland down as far as Galway and Clare, and in the north west in parts of my county where there is difficulty in getting fodder in quickly enough. There are issues relating to the boats and the capacity to bring it in. There is a need for an extension for the scheme and for additional transportation capacity to bring in fodder that has been sourced, particularly in places such as France. I am sure the Minister and his officials are doing everything they can to deal with the issue. Additional resources will undoubtedly be needed because growth levels are inadequate and a lot of livestock are indoors at the moment and cannot get out.

I commend the Minister on the passing of the legislation to which everyone in this House and the other House had an opportunity to contribute. That is a reflection on his co-operation.