'Weak' proposals on dog law criticised

TIPPERARY NORTH TD Máire Hoctor has described amendments to controversial dog-breeding legislation proposed by Minister for the Environment John Gormley as “weak”.

Mr Gormley has outlined what he characterised as “significant concessions” on the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill in relation to micro-chipping, inspections, fees and breeding limitations.

A spokesman for the Greens in Government last night moved to play down recent clashes with rural Fianna Fáil deputies over the Bill, which Mr Gormley wants to become law before the Dáil’s summer recess. “It will be resolved,” he said.

However, Ms Hoctor insisted more time needed to be devoted to the proposed legislation. “The amendments are not alone weak, they are distant and removed from the amendments that were proposed to him [Mr Gormley] many weeks ago,” Ms Hoctor said.

“I’m also aware of the fact that the vast majority of the Green Party, with the exception of Mary White, is urban-based. I’ve become convinced that they don’t understand the significance of rural pursuits and the benefits that accrue to rural Ireland. It needs to be given more time.” The issue was raised at last night’s meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party by a number of speakers.

Carlow-Kilkenny deputy Bobby Aylward said: “The Taoiseach said he was still in negotiations with Minister Gormley and we are hoping to get a little further down the line. He said he’d try to come back to us before it’s presented to the Dáil.” Mr Aylward said the issue of fees had been clarified to his satisfaction but the definition of a breeding bitch was “still a thorny issue”. The proposed law is expected to come to the Dáil on Friday of next week, and the Dáil is scheduled to rise for the summer the following Thursday, July 8th.

Fianna Fáil Senator Denis O’Donovan yesterday said he “had not abstained lightly” in a Seanad vote on the proposed legislation last week. He will meet with Government Chief Whip John Curran today to explain his actions. “I’ve laid out my stall,” Mr O’Donovan said. Mr Gormley’s proposed amendments include a “review clause” to examine the impact on the greyhound industry 12 months after the law has been introduced.

He said the amendments were an attempt to address concerns highlighted by the Irish Greyhound Board and the Irish Coursing Club. Ms Hoctor claimed the amendments did not address concerns of the Hunting Association of Ireland.