Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. Táim sásta go bhfuil sí anseo chun an Bille seo a phlé. Gabhaim comhghairdeas le mo chomhghleacaí, an Seanadóir Boylan, as an mBille a chur os comhair an tSeanaid.

It is great to hear unanimity across the House in support of Senator Boylan's Bill. As Sinn Féin group leader, I want to recognise the dedication, passion and commitment of Senator Boylan to animal welfare. She was determined to ensure that we, as a group, used our Private Member's time to initiate this Bill and get the ball rolling on what is an important issue. As colleagues across the Chamber have acknowledged tonight, there are practical and sensible proposals in this Bill that will have real, tangible benefits and outcomes and that is what matters here. A lot of the time when we talk about legislation the effect of same is abstract or out on the ether but we can see the practicality in this legislation.

One of the great strengths for me, which Senator McGreehan will appreciate, is that in taking the measures provided for in this Bill, we can harmonise our approach, North and South. My pet, a cocker spaniel called Tuan, who is seven years old this month, thanks Senator Boylan for bringing this legislation to the House. In the North, dog licences and microchips are already connected. All dogs kept in the North must be microchipped before they can be licensed. Owners must provide a microchip number on the application form for a dog licence and a dog licence will not be accepted without a microchip number. The number must be registered at the dog owner's current address. Dog owners must hold a valid licence for their dog and the dog must wear an identity tag with the owner's name, address and contact number. We know that it can be done because a few miles up the road, they are doing it and given the nature of Border communities, where we know that some families have plots of land or farms that straddles both sides, it makes sense to do it here too.

While the primary focus of this legislation is on dog welfare, it can be extended to apply to other animals. It can lead to greater protections and accountability for harm caused to other animals such as cattle and livestock, as was referenced earlier. In conclusion, I want to reinforce a message that the Minister of State has heard repeatedly during this debate. Sinn Féin is not precious about this being our Bill; we just want to see it getting done. We want to see it become law because the reality is that every single day that this legislation is not progressed through these Houses, passed and then effectively implemented adds to the waiting time for dogs who are looking for a loving family and a forever home. While we wait, they wait even longer so the sooner we get this done, the sooner those of us who are dog lovers - and there are many of us across the Chamber - get this done, the sooner dogs can be re-homed and sent to forever homes. That is why this Bill makes sense. Ultimately, the outcome of this legislation will be positive which, for me, is the crux of the matter. I appreciate and recognise the support of colleagues across the Chamber tonight. I hope we can take a constructive approach and get this Bill through this House and the Lower House as quickly and efficiently as possible.