Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
519. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of dog wardens partaking in the national training programme; where this training is taking place; the overall cost of the programme; if this is a voluntary or mandatory training programme; the person or body that developed the training programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27929/24]
View answerTo support the work of dog wardens and to ensure consistency and a standardised approach to enforcement, my Department has provided €10,000 in funding towards the cost of the Dog Control Service National Training Programme 2024. The training takes place over 8 days and is covered under 4 modules. Each Local Authority funds their individual participant's fee of €175 per module. The programme is voluntary, however all dog control personnel are actively encouraged to attend.
The CCMA Dog Control Working Group developed the programme in association with my Department. This Working Group is chaired by a Local Authority Director of Services and includes Local Authority Veterinary Officers and Dog Wardens.
The training commenced in April. Three modules have been completed to date and 55 dog wardens have attended. The training took place in Roscrea, Thurles, and Dublin. The final module is scheduled to take place in Roscrea in October.
