David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State has given a number of bland non-reasons for not accepting this amendment. He said nothing convincing for not accepting it. He put on the record of the House the recommendations of various committees that were commissioned to write reports and they indicated it was important to have veterinary practitioners and people from the greyhound industry on the board. By accepting these four amendments, the Minister of State would be find himself in accord with the recommendations that he has quoted to the House. I see no reason whatever for him to refuse to accept this amendment. I am surprised he did not refer to the new proposed subsection (7)(1)(b) of the principal Act which reads "8 ordinary members, who have, in the opinion of the Minister, experience of or shown capacity in matters relevant to the functions of the Board". I would have thought that was his let-out because it is stated there that we can appoint veterinary practitioners or people from the greyhound industry. As I prophesied, however, the Minister of State spoke about people who were accountants and those with other skills, but it is much more important to have a veterinary practitioner, someone who is interested in the welfare of animals, on the board. I see nothing whatever wrong with this amendment. I hope Senator Ruane, seconded by myself, will call for a vote on this amendment because I believe we would win it. I believe the House is with us on this one.