Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 539: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation to set standards for the practice of puppy farming; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of many animal welfare groups and organisations regarding this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3469/06]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 556: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the regulations to regulate the management of dog breeding establishments will be published; when it is envisaged they will come into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3221/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 539 and 556 together.

The report of the working group established to review the management of dog breeding establishments was submitted to me on 7 September 2005. 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 was Friday 16 December 2005.

The responses received are being examined in my Department at present and, as soon as this exercise is completed, I will consider further the recommendations in the report of the working group and will then make a decision as to the action to be taken.