Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I wonder whether it is the proposal I have in my hand, which is the Cypriot proposal, that he is awaiting. It is available. If he is worried about unintended consequences, they would come with a negative list because a negative list has to be exhaustive. A positive list clearly sets out what is permitted to be kept.

We know venomous snakes are being bred in Ireland. There are public health impacts related to exotic species. I am aware a sable in the country was found to be carrying a rabies-type virus. While I appreciate the programme for Government includes looking at animal welfare legislation, I encourage the Minister to listen very carefully to what the Cypriots will propose and give it due consideration. Even if he cannot bring himself to support the proposal, I ask for interim measures to be introduced. We are seeing significant animal welfare issues with exotic species. People do not know how to look after these animals. People have animals that can live for up to 80 years but they will not be around to look after them. I encourage the Minister to introduce at the bare minimum interim regulations to deal with this.