Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the problems posed by puppy farms here; his plans to tackle these farms; if he proposes to introduce legislation in this area in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34074/11]

Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 366: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to sign legislation outlawing puppy farms. [33994/11]

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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Question 404: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the Dog Breeding Establishment Bill, which was passed by Dáil Éireann in July 2010, will be signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34632/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 362, 366 and 404 together.

The Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, developed by the previous Government, was signed by the President on 21 July, 2010.

The Act provides that all 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.

Alongside the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, separate legislation on the related issue of greyhound welfare, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, has now passed all stages in the Oireachtas. This legislation - the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011 - will provide for the welfare of greyhounds and the regulation of greyhound breeding establishments. The provisions of both these pieces of legislation are complementary and accordingly, it is my intention to implement the Dog Breeding Establishments Act in tandem with the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill. This will give wide ranging protection to all dogs in the State by registering and controlling all breeding establishments. I will be finalising my position in relation to the commencement of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act following the enactment of the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill.