asked the Minister for Finance whether, having regard to the injuries and loss being suffered by farmers in relation to their stock and to the injuries being suffered by young school children from stray and uncontrolled dogs, he will consider fixing a realistic sum for dog licences and allocate part of the revenue to assist in the collection of stray dogs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dog Licences.
126.
Consideration is at present being given to improving the means by which the problem of stray and unlicensed dogs can be dealt with. The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for Local Government has tabled an amendment to the Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill, 1973, which would permit local authorities to provide shelters for stray or unwanted dogs and also to assist bodies or persons in providing homes or shelters for such animals. I have decided that the dog licences fee which was fixed in 1925 should be increased to a realistic level to provide revenue to assist those local authorities undertaking responsibilities in this area.
Interestingly enough, Deputy Haughey asked me to do precisely this on 7th March last.
Are the Government reduced to trying to raise revenue from dogs now?
Deputy Haughey asked me on that date if I would increase the dog licence fee to £1— four times higher than the present level.
Will the Minister tell us if this was a planned question?
No. It was at the request of my constituents, not at the request of the backroom boys.
127.
asked the Minister for Finance the number of dog licences taken out in each of the last three years.
The number of dog licences issued in the years ending 31st March, 1972, 1973 and 1974 were 197,200, 165,929 and 170,732 respectively.
The Government will be bringing in a tax on cats soon.
I suggest that the Deputy would address that remark to Deputy Haughey.