asked the Minister for Local Government what proposals he has to protect road users from the hazards of itinerants' animals; and if he is aware of the accidents caused by these animals straying on the public roads.
14.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wandering Animals.
13.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the number of malicious injuries claims brought by itinerants against landowners in respect of damage to animals; and if he will take steps to protect landowners and ratepayers against damages caused by wandering animals.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
I have no statistics in regard to the matters raised by the Deputy but I believe that the number of malicious injuries claims brought by itinerants in regard to their animals is very low and I have no evidence that itinerants' animals are a particularly serious danger as compared with other road hazards.
I have announced the first steps of policy adopted by the Government to meet the problems of itinerancy. These include the provision of authorised camping sites for itinerants by local authorities in which a section would be reserved for the stallage of animals, with adequate fencing to prevent wandering of the animals. I asked the local authorities in November last to take early steps to provide the camping sites and have told them that State subsidy at the rate of two-thirds of annual loan charges will be available for the purpose.
In the meantime the Garda do what they can to deal with the problem of wandering animals, but the provision of authorised camping sites is a prerequisite to more effective control.