Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for accepting the amendment with regard to the retirement of greyhounds.

On amendment No. 16 and the inclusion of the word “appropriate”, however, I do not think the Minister of State's response made much sense and was actually contradictory. He spoke about how the list is never meant to be exhaustive, that there may be regulations we want to make in the future, that they may not be necessary now, and that they may regulate but not necessarily for all. Inserting the word “appropriate” would ensure that animal welfare was not compromised. Animal welfare is a problem now and it is not about future-proofing it. It is about ensuring it is as strong as it can be now. The term “to have as appropriate” would fit perfectly with everything the Minister of State has said about the necessity of different regulations at different times, some of which are not necessary now. That means it would not be appropriate to have them now but it might be appropriate to create regulations at a later date.

I do not think the Minister of State’s response made much sense.