Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way hunt clubs affiliated to an association (details supplied) will be affected by new legislation on puppy farming; the impact such legislation will have on such clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32907/09]

Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if hunt clubs affiliated to an association (details supplied) will be exempt from legislation on puppy farming; if he gave the association such an exemption; if such an exemption was given in writing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32908/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 106 together.

Work is underway in drafting an amendment to the Control of Dogs Acts and I hope to publish my proposals in the near future. The draft Bill proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that had been established to review the management of dog breeding establishments. The Working Group recommended that a dog breeding establishment be defined as 'a premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential'.

The draft Bill proposes that dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. The Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI) made submissions to me in relation to their activities and the nature of these. As a consequence and in recognition of the "not for profit" basis of these, and as communicated to the HAI directly and in response to representations on their behalf, I decided to provide exemption in the legislation in respect of the payment of registration fees. The HAI has made clear that their premises operate comprehensive and appropriate standards. Accordingly, I do not consider that this aspect of the legislative regime should cause difficulty.