GREEN LEADER John Gormley will consider the possibility of “varying some details” of the contentious dog breeding Bill following a meeting with rural Fianna Fáil backbenchers, his spokesman confirmed.
Fianna Fáil TDs called for amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 which they believe would be welcomed by the greyhound industry, the Hunting Association of Ireland and the Canine Breeders of Ireland.
“The Minister believes much of the concerns are based on misunderstandings and misinformation. However, he has agreed to look at the possibility of varying some details as the Bill progresses,” Mr Gormley’s spokesman said.
The Minister was accompanied by three officials from the Department of the Environment at the meeting, which lasted for about an hour in Leinster House’s audio-visual room. Laois-Offaly TD Seán Fleming, who was among some 20 Fianna Fáil representatives in attendance, said he believed “both sides” found the meeting useful.
“The Minister is a city-based Minister. I’m saying that as a matter of fact rather than criticism. He wouldn’t have grown up with the issue in the way some Fianna Fáil TDs would have. We hope by the time the Bill comes into the Dáil he will probably be able to announce some changes.” The Bill is currently at report stage in the Seanad and has yet to be debated in the Dáil.
Waterford deputy Brendan Kenneally said he would like those involved in the greyhound industry and people who bred dogs for hunting to be exempt from the Bill. While he was not sure this would be possible, he hoped an “acceptable sort of way” forward would be found.
Also among those in attendance were former ceann comhairle John O’Donoghue, John Cregan, Niall Collins, Bobby Aylward, John McGuinness, Maire Hoctor, Noel Treacy, Michael McGrath, Ned O’Keeffe, Christy O’Sullivan, Michael Moynihan, Johnny Brady, Timmy Dooley, Niall Blaney and Senator Mark Daly.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen yesterday told the Dáil the Bill to ban stag hunting would be published “soon”, in response to a question from Fine Gael TD Phil Hogan. The Wildlife Amendment Bill 2010, which will make hunting deer with a pack of hounds an offence, was approved by Cabinet on Tuesday.
Representatives of the Canine Breeders of Ireland outlined their concerns about the proposed legislation when they appeared before the Oireachtas environment committee on Tuesday.
