Dogs Bill Races Through Daíl

Legislation to bring about a new Dog Breeding Establishments Bill isn't facing any of the anticipated delays following the intervention of Taoiseach Brian Cowen and is now due to receive final Dáil approval today.

Mr Cowen took part in a meeting yesterday with Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West, Christy O'Sullivan, who had indicated he would vote against the Bill because of its impact on hunting packs.

It was expected to have a rough passage, but it has emerged that the pro-hunting campaign group Rise! (Rural Ireland Says Enough!) has also announced that a demonstration against the Bill at Leinster House is being deferred "pending further clarification".

Sources close to Rise said that the delegation was "satisfied with what they heard" and said: "Considerable progress seems to have been made which will be reduced to writing overnight and confirmed."

The meeting was also attended by Government Chief Whip John Curran, Deputy Chief Whip John Cregan and officials from the Departments of the Taoiseach and Environment.

The Taoiseach was present for 15 or 20 minutes but the meeting lasted about 90 minutes.

It is understood Mr O'Sullivan has since indicated he would support the Bill, although he was not available for comment.

Mr Cowen also met the Hunting Association of Ireland, a constituent element of Rise!, to discuss the legislation.

The Irish Greyhound Board has also welcomed a proposed change whereby the board would not be regulated by the dog breeding legislation but by way of an amendment to the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958.

(BMcC/GK)