Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2010
8 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in the progress of the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22374/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the working group that reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. The working group was set up in September 2004 by the then Minister to consider the regulation of dog breeding establishments and to make recommendations on the proper management of such establishments.
Dog breeding establishments are currently unregulated, save for those which are members of the Irish Boarding Kennels and other similar groups and which submit to a form of self-regulation. The recommendations of the working group were submitted to the Minister in August 2005.
The Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 defines a dog breeding establishment as a premises with not less than six bitches of four months or older which are capable of breeding. The Bill proposes that all dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, and that they pay a registration fee and meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards.
The Bill has completed Committee Stage in the Seanad, where it was initiated on 18 December 2009. During this time, meetings have taken place between senior officials of my Department and the Irish Greyhound Board, the Irish Coursing Club, the Dogs' Trust, the Irish Kennel Club and other stakeholders to discuss their concerns. I expect Report and Final Stages to be taken in the Seanad shortly, after which the Bill will begin the legislative process in the Dáil, subject to the Dáil's Order of Business.
Regulations will be introduced following enactment of the Bill, which will set out the detailed requirements that dog breeding establishments will have to meet to comply with the legislation. The draft regulations will be subject to consultation with the interested parties.
I am satisfied with that reply.
A few weeks ago, the joint Oireachtas committee had a meeting on this matter, with an extensive debate. There were significant contributions from the Minister's partners in Government who had quite a lot to say about the legislation. Has the Minister received the transcripts of that committee meeting? Does he propose to table any amendments on Report Stage in the Seanad, given the contributions made at the committee by his Government colleagues?
I should advise the House that once another House is seized of the Bill it is not up to this House to discuss the Upper House's handling of it. However, I am sure the Minister will answer the question in general terms.
I am happy to do so. It is certainly my intention to introduce amendments, but the question is whether we will do so in the Seanad, or whether we can do it in this House on Committee Stage. I think it is probably better if we do it in this House and then go back to the Seanad. I have listened very carefully to the contributions that were made by Deputies in all parties. It is interesting that this piece of legislation has given rise to quite a lot of debate. It is really extraordinary when one thinks of it.
It is extraordinary.
