Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
796. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding any engagement he has had with an animal welfare organisation (details supplied) in relation to animal welfare measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37033/26]
View answer802. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the proposals from an animal welfare organisation (details supplied); specifically in relation to the creation of a centralised database for anyone breeding, selling, or transferring the ownership of a puppy, or litter of puppies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37040/26]
View answer803. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the proposals from an animal welfare organisation (details supplied); specifically in relation to the creation of a standalone junior ministry within his Department that would be responsible for animal welfare for domestic pets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37041/26]
View answer804. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the proposals from an animal welfare organisation (details supplied), specifically in relation to the creation of a centralised database for all dogs in Ireland to allow for traceability of dogs with tracking from puppyhood all the way through a dog's life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37042/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 796, 802, 803 and 804 together.
My Department has regular engagement with the organisation concerned through their participation in the Dog Control Stakeholder Group and the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare.
Regarding traceability, microchipping can play an important role in ensuring dog welfare as clear identification helps deter irresponsible behaviour and enables more effective enforcement where incidents of mistreatment, neglect or abuse occur. I am focused on maximising the effectiveness of the dog microchipping system by strengthening adherence to the rules already in place and educating owners on their obligations. My Department’s aim is to make compliance with microchipping rules the only socially acceptable behaviour. Responsible ownership protects animal welfare, supports enforcement, and underpins public confidence, and it must be the standard we all uphold.
I hope to bring forward a new Dog Breeding Establishments Bill shortly.
There no plans currently to create a junior ministry with responsibility for animal welfare for domestic pets.
