Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have tabled amendments Nos. 26 and 29 as they were tabled on Committee Stage to ensure we keep the health and welfare of the greyhounds at the centre of this industry among our top considerations as we debate the Bill. My amendment No. 29 would give the greyhound board regulatory powers to set out the provisions for the health and welfare of a greyhound after it retires from its racing career. We need to ensure we take as much responsibility for greyhounds' welfare after their time in racing is over as we do during their time racing. I welcome Government amendment No. 28, which has the same policy intention and which I will happily accept before withdrawing my own amendment No. 29. I thank the Minister of State for his engagement and for listening to our concerns in the Seanad and in our meeting. I very much appreciate that and the Bill is stronger as a result.

We debated amendment No. 26 extensively on Committee Stage and I do not propose to rehash the arguments. This section would be strengthened a great deal if our amendment is effected. In other sections the Minister of State has proposed exhaustive lists of regulatory powers for the board and the use of the word "may" can be argued to be appropriate but we are talking about five subparagraphs in section 29(1). We simply cannot say this is an unreasonable regulatory burden. That it is untrue. This section is important and it should be compulsory for regulations to be made on every issue listed in the subsection. The Minister of State is wrong with this and I urge him to accept the amendment.