85 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will meet with the hunting and field sport organisations to consult with them regarding the regulations on the Dog Breeding Establishments Act (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39527/10]

The Dog Breeding Establishments Act was signed by the President on 21 July, 2010 following its passage through the Oireachtas. It is intended that the Act will commence in early 2011.

Prior to the commencement of the Act and in line with provisions contained therein (Section 15(4)), my Department intends to publish for public consultation draft guidelines in relation to the operation of dog breeding establishments and the compliance by operators of dog breeding establishments with the Act. My Department will shortly be writing to the relevant hunting and field sports organisations, Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI), Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the European Union (FACE) and Irish Hunting Clubs Association (IHCA), as well as other interested parties, in connection with this consultation.