Taoiseach asks Gormley to tweak dog breeding Bill

TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen has asked Minister for the Environment John Gormley to tweak proposed amendments to controversial dog-breeding legislation to satisfy rural Fianna Fáil backbenchers threatening to vote against it.

There is some level of concern within the Coalition about the voting intentions of Tipperary North TD Máire Hoctor and perhaps Mattie McGrath of Tipperary South in relation to the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill.

Mr Gormley has insisted the Bill will become law by the summer recess.

In the Seanad last week, he signalled changes he will introduce to the proposed law when it comes to the Dáil, probably on Friday of next week. The Green Party leader characterised the amendments as “a significant concession on my part” but a small group of Fianna Fáil backbenchers have sought clarifications on some amendments and demanded further changes on others.

Concerns about the proposed law have been raised at numerous meetings of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, most recently last Wednesday, after which Mr Cowen is understood to have discussed the matter with Mr Gormley.

Carlow-Kilkenny TD Bobby Aylward highlighted fees and the definition of a breeding bitch as particular concerns. “We need clarification before we vote on it. You don’t buy a pig in a poke. We have to carry our own people as well as the Greens on this one.”

However, Mr Aylward said: “It’s not an issue that’s going to bring down the Government.”

Cork South West deputy Christy O’Sullivan said the proposed legislation could not be rushed. “If it takes longer than what’s being anticipated by the Minister to get these issues resolved then so be it . . . They’re not huge issues but they are issues nevertheless.”

Fianna Fáil Senator Denis O’Donovan, who will meet Government Chief Whip John Curran to explain his abstention in the Seanad vote on the proposed legislation, described the amendments proposed by Mr Gormley as “weak”. He said: “I’m taking a stance for rural Ireland and rural pursuits . . . Seven or eight critical amendments would save the day. He [Mr Gormley] is making moves but it’s more like shadow boxing than landing a proper punch.”

Mr Gormley wrote to Mr Cowen on May 26th outlining the amendments concerning micro-chipping, inspections, fees and breeding limitations, along with a “review clause” to examine the impact on the greyhound industry 12 months after the law has been introduced.

Meanwhile, Mr Gormley said the Labour Party “appeared to be planning to oppose the ban on stag hunting”. The Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010 will be debated in the Dáil on Thursday. Labour has not yet taken a position on the issue. Pro-hunting group Rural Ireland Says Enough! is planning a demonstration outside Leinster House to coincide with the debate.