Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 769: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department requested submissions regarding breeding of dogs; if so, when is the closing date for receipt of such submissions; the reason the process is being repeated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32994/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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A working group to review the management of dog breeding establishments nationally was appointed in September 2004. The group was established in response to a number of cases of mistreatment of dogs on so called "puppy farms". The terms of reference of the group were to examine the current position regarding management of kennels and to make recommendations for such improvements, including better regulation, as it considers necessary in this area.

In its report which was submitted to me recently, the working group concluded that there is a need to introduce statutorily enforceable standards for the dog breeding industry in Ireland and proposed the introduction of a registration system for dog breeding establishments. However, three of the organisations represented on the group exercised the option of submitting minority reports rather than accept the majority report.

On 20 October 2005, I announced a public consultation process on foot of the working group's report indicating that, in view of the many divergent views on the issue, I wanted to canvass public opinion more widely before taking final decisions on the matter. An advertisement inviting submissions was placed in the national newspapers on Monday 24 October 2005. The closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday 16 December 2005.