I am delighted to be able to speak today on a cause that is very close to my heart. My family and I have always had dogs. My current girl, Jenko, is a rescue, and I applaud all of those who work and volunteer in dog shelters and rescues for their commitment, passion and deep care. Most of those who provide day care, kennels and breed dogs have their dogs' welfare as their number one priority. Dogs are not only part of our families but they work with and alongside us, too. For example, I have worked with and supported Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind all my life. The partnership and bond between person and dog I have seen brings out the best in our humanity. Working with dogs makes us better people and there is no greater gift that a dog can give. Since being elected to this House a little over 12 months ago, and as a long-time advocate for dog welfare, I have raised numerous areas where reform is necessary. I have called for: a single, centralised dog microchipping register; a distinct tax code for dog breeders; regulation for online sales, and increased sanctions for dog breeding and welfare violations. This is not just a matter of dog health and welfare, but also consumer protection and public safety, as poorly bred and poorly socialised dogs are more likely to exhibit antisocial and aggressive behaviour. Fine Gael has always stood for strong animal welfare protections. Recent developments include how the State now funds over 100 animal welfare organisations, with funding increasing from €2 million in 2020 to over €6 million today. We have established a new and independently chaired advisory council on companion animal welfare and there have been improvements in dog control, with additional funding for dog wardens in all local authorities. In my constituency of Dublin Rathdown, we now have three dog wardens covering the area where previously there was just one. I know the Minister, Deputy Heydon, is fully committed to continuing improvements in this area, and I have been working with him to deliver progress. As we are all aware, planning for the updated animal welfare strategy 2026 to 2030 is under way. In support of this, I joined the Minister on November 19 to launch a six-week public consultation process. This will seek public views, which will inform the strategy. I encourage all of those listening to this debate to contribute to the consultation. Specifically on dog welfare control and breeding, the dog control and breeding stakeholder group, established by Fine Gael during the last Government, is expected to provide its final report and recommendations in early 2026. At EU level, the first ever EU-wide minimum standards to address puppy farms and illegal imports is near final agreement. We need to allow time for these processes, which are near completion, to be completed. Capturing the range of stakeholder, expert and wider public views with the new EU-wide minimum standards will form the basis for an updated animal welfare strategy, which will be published in 2026. Taking this time matters for improving the health and welfare of dogs. Taking this time will improve public safety and public confidence that dogs in our communities are well raised and cared for. This Bill today is actually premature, and really is just an example of where the Social Democrats are again exploiting a vulnerable group, in this case a group that cannot even speak for themselves, although my own dog, Jenko, is actually incredibly vocal and would probably have something to say on this.

Sentiment score: 0.26

I look forward to the outcomes of the process I have outlined and to working positively with the Minister to deliver positively for dogs, their families and our wider communities.

Sentiment score: 0.78