Perhaps the Minister could explain what is meant by "identification" in this section. It states that each local authority shall establish a register of all horse licences, which will require some form of identification. Identification will be required if an authorised person or the Garda Síochána is dealing with a stray horse or a horse which has no licence in a controlled area. What is the most suitable form of identification? I am worried about this because my local authority suggested that there must be some quick way of identifying a horse, its owner, its history and the number of times it has been in difficulty. Identification by means of an electronic chip was mentioned. Have other such forms of identification been considered? Perhaps the Minister could clarify this.

The Deputy is jumping ahead because another section deals with identification. I have set up a special committee, which includes members of local authorities, Dublin Corporation and veterinary experts, to look at different possibilities, including microchip and freeze branding. We hope to have made a decision by the time the Bill is enacted.

We had a fairly lengthy discussion on that point during the briefing session before the Bill was introduced.

I mentioned it because section 24 (2) (a) states "an identification reference". I wanted to know if the identification reference would have to be included in the register. I am glad the Minister clarified that another procedure will take place in conjunction with this Bill.