I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 54 together.
The report of the working group established to review the management of dog breeding establishments was submitted to me on 7 September 2005. The report contains a number of useful recommendations including in relation to the introduction of statutorily enforceable standards for the dog breeding industry in Ireland and proposes the introduction of a registration system for dog breeding establishments.
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 is Friday, 16 December 2005.
I will further consider all of the recommendations in the report of the working group, including those relating to the introduction of legislation, following the conclusion of the consultation process.