Ar an gcéad dul síos, gabhaim mo bhuíochas leis an Teachta McGreehan as an rún seo a chur os comhair na Dála. I thank Deputy McGreehan for raising the matter of dog control legislation. I share the Deputy's sentiments. She has very eloquently expressed the concern of many people across our country. As she said, that 88% of hill farmers have had their animals attacked is an extraordinary statistic. When we served in the Seanad last year, the Deputy introduced the Control of Dogs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. As Members will know, the Government did not oppose the Bill on that occasion because all of us are in agreement that more robust dog control legislation is required. As part of the programme for Government, as the Deputy said, the Government has set out how it intends to provide for an enhanced approach to dog control issues. In this regard, all legislation and policy in regard to the control of dogs, dog welfare and dog breeding establishments will rest with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Discussions are ongoing between my Department and that Department to implement the transfer of functions in a timely manner. In the meantime, I am fully committed, as is the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to progressing work in this area. The Deputy is correct; this is about responsible dog ownership, education and raising awareness. She referenced an advertisement. It is also the case that a pet is not just for Christmas. The recent introduction of a ban on XL Bully type dogs last July, in the interests of public safety following a number of horrific attacks, was a significant measure to enhance the control of dangerous dogs in our communities. The ban was introduced in two stages in order to give XL Bully-type dog owners who wished to keep their dogs time to obtain a certificate of exemption. There was a four-month period between October last year and February this year where these owners were able to apply for a certificate of exemption. In total, over 1,700 applications were received by local authorities for exemption certificates. Since 1 February this year, it has been illegal to own an XL Bully-type dog without a certificate of exemption issued by a local authority in which the dog resides. Regarding developing more robust legislation, the Government will continue to support the ongoing discussions that take place at the dog control stakeholder group. The group was established in 2024 to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy and legislative matters in regard to all dog control issues. It is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner John Twomey. It comprises members with a broad range of expertise. It is also important to note that the various issues that have been raised regarding dog control legislation are wide-ranging and complex. They require in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure amendments are not just robust but are also fit for purpose, can be implemented and will deliver the best outcomes for communities and dogs. Deputy McGreehan has spoken very eloquently about animal welfare and the concerns of farmers in many parts of the country. She referred to the Cooley Peninsula in her constituency and spoke about the worry of the chase for animals. All of us who have pets and are involved in different parts of agriculture have to be concerned and support the thrust of Deputy McGreehan's Bill and what she is trying to do here. I commend her for bringing this issue to the attention of the House.

Sentiment score: 0.07

I thank Deputy McGreehan again and I share her view. It is important for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities, not just for the public but also for their dogs. The Deputy is right; accountability, awareness and human responsibility must work in tandem. In 2024, a major national awareness campaign entitled, "It's not your dog's fault, it's yours", was launched by the Department to alert dog owners to their responsibilities and to raise awareness of the dangers posed to people and livestock by uncontrolled dogs. My Department intends to launch a similar campaign in the coming weeks to reinforce responsible dog ownership from the perspective of harm to both humans and other animals. Last year, my Department provided €2 million in capital funding to local authorities to expand and improve the dog pounds and dog warden facilities in addition to €2 million provided in 2023. In 2024, funding of €2 million to support resourcing of dog warden services for this year was also announced. This funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce legislation. My Department also worked closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to publish a plain-language leaflet informing dog owners of their legal obligations. This leaflet was distributed last year to every dog warden, local authority and veterinary surgery in the country in addition to more than 100 animal welfare charities. I commend Deputy McGreehan on her work. We all have a responsibility and duty of care and I hope we can work together to ensure we get the outcome we deserve and all wish to see happen.

Sentiment score: 0.35