asked the Minister for the Environment if consideration has yet been given to the memorandum submitted by the National Action Committee for Dog Control; and if he will make a statement on whether it is intended to implement the recommendations in that memorandum.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dog Control.
7.
Consideration of the recommendations contained in the memorandum submitted by the National Action Committee for Dog Control are primarily for the Department of Agriculture, as the Department with responsibility for existing laws relating to control of dogs. Neither my Department nor the local authorities have any statutory functions in relation to dog control. Planning authorities, however, are empowered to assist a body or persons providing homes or shelters for stray or unwanted dogs or cats and my Department operate a scheme of grants for the recoupment to planning authorities of 50 per cent of the expenditure incurred by them for such purposes.