Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
393. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is aware of a report (details supplied); if she agrees with the reforms outlined in the paper that are designed to ensure that Ireland creates a regulatory framework that is well-resourced, controlled and enhances the welfare of dogs; if she intends to implement these reforms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25986/24]
View answerMy Department has policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. In March 2024 I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to these issues. The group is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr John Twomey and is comprised of members with a broad range of expertise.
The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. In view of recent events, I have asked the Chair to prioritise the issue of Restricted Dogs and this will be the first issue to be considered by the stakeholder group at its next meeting to be held later this month. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in the Autumn.
My Department has just recently been made aware of the report referred to by the Deputy and it is my intention to bring this to the attention of the Stakeholder group in the due course.
