Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 959: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to introduce regulations to implement the recommendations of the Working Group to Review the Management of Dog Breeding Establishments; and if the kennels of non-commercial clubs registered with an organisation (details supplied) will be fully exempt from such regulations. [33222/09]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 964: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that his previous commitment to exclude registered hunt kennels from the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Bill remains; the procedures in place to ensure adequate input from people who might be impacted by the proposed regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33253/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 959 and 964 together.

Work is under way in drafting an amendment to the Control of Dogs Acts and I hope to publish proposed new legislation in the near future. The process has included discussions with a number of organisations, bodies, public agencies and interests active in the area. The draft Bill is being designed 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 will propose 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.