Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 104: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made to date by his Department in implementing the recommendations of the working group to review the management of dog breeding establishments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22513/06]

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 114: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals in relation to the new standards he will introduce to enforce standards for the dog breeding industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22524/06]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 141: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recommendations of the Working Group on the Review of the Management of Dog Breeding Establishments which he intends to implement; and the timeframe in relation to the implementation of the various recommendations. [22493/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 114 and 141 together.

The report of the Working Group which was established to review the management of dog breeding establishments was submitted to me on 7 September 2005. The report contained a number of recommendations including recommendations in relation to the introduction of 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 members of the Working Group disagreed with the main recommendations and submitted three separate minority reports.

On 30 May, I announced my intention to proceed with implementation of the majority recommendations of the Working Group. This decision followed the conclusion of an extensive public consultation process on the matter which showed that, while there is some opposition to the majority recommendations, there is general support for regulation in this area. The majority recommendations are contained in the Working Group's Report, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.

My Department will now, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Food, develop the new system as quickly as possible. This process will include the development of standards for relevant dog breeding establishments and the drafting of new Regulations under the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992. It is not possible at this stage in the process to indicate the likely date of the coming into force of the new Regulations.