I was thrilled to get a text message from a friend in Ireland while I'm out here in Las Vegas letting me know the lineup of new ministers in Ireland (yes it is sad but this is what my FRIENDS text me; imagine what I get that is work-related!).
I am delighted to learn that we now have a coalition govt as of today that includes the Green party, who have been given two ministries. One is John Gormley in Dept of the Environment. This is GOOD NEWS for cavaliers and animal welfare generally as this ministry deals with dog and cat related matters amongst its broad remit, and the main political party in government has sat on the recommendations of the Puppy Farm Working Group (submitted to this ministry) to bring in fresh controls to try and eliminate Ireland's huge puppy farming industry -- cavaliers are badly exploited through this industry and it is the source of many poor quality cavaliers that go to the US and UK. Many here may remember this has been an issue that TKC (Tara) and LisaW and I on this board have very actively fought and campaigned for. The Greens came out to support us at the demo we organised last year and we can fully expect good legislation to come into place with more, I hope, to follow to better fund pounds and raise Irish animal welfare standards above their very low level at the moment.
Not dog related , but the other minister is Eamon Ryan in the Dept of Communication, who is, along with his wife Victoria, an old friend of mine. This ministry comes into the domain I write about, and it will be exciting to have as bright and dedicated a person as Eamon in this important role.
I am really happy we will have some fresh perspectives in these two areas. :rah: I am going to be organising a meeting with Minister Gormley as soon as I get back and see if we can get the department moving right away on that puppy farm legislation as it is all ready to go.
I am delighted to learn that we now have a coalition govt as of today that includes the Green party, who have been given two ministries. One is John Gormley in Dept of the Environment. This is GOOD NEWS for cavaliers and animal welfare generally as this ministry deals with dog and cat related matters amongst its broad remit, and the main political party in government has sat on the recommendations of the Puppy Farm Working Group (submitted to this ministry) to bring in fresh controls to try and eliminate Ireland's huge puppy farming industry -- cavaliers are badly exploited through this industry and it is the source of many poor quality cavaliers that go to the US and UK. Many here may remember this has been an issue that TKC (Tara) and LisaW and I on this board have very actively fought and campaigned for. The Greens came out to support us at the demo we organised last year and we can fully expect good legislation to come into place with more, I hope, to follow to better fund pounds and raise Irish animal welfare standards above their very low level at the moment.
Not dog related , but the other minister is Eamon Ryan in the Dept of Communication, who is, along with his wife Victoria, an old friend of mine. This ministry comes into the domain I write about, and it will be exciting to have as bright and dedicated a person as Eamon in this important role.
I am really happy we will have some fresh perspectives in these two areas. :rah: I am going to be organising a meeting with Minister Gormley as soon as I get back and see if we can get the department moving right away on that puppy farm legislation as it is all ready to go.