asked the Minister for Agriculture when he intends to introduce legislation for the control of wandering dogs, which has been promised for some time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Dogs.
2.
I expect to introduce a Bill for the control of dogs in this House during the current session.
When the Bill is introduced who will have control of the implementation of the regulations envisaged?
When the Bill is enacted, control will be handed over to local authorities, county councils and corporations.
Could the Minister say how long it will be before the Bill is law and what time will be allocated to discuss it in the House?
It is difficult to answer that question but I have committed myself to having it on the Statute Book by late 1986 in time for the lambing season in 1987.
Is the Minister aware of the urgent need for this legislation? With the help of the Whips will he ensure that it is implemented forthwith because of the overall problems in this area and the loss of money in exports from the numbers of sheep being slaughtered by stray dog over the last number of years?
I certainly will and I have had discussions with Members of the Opposition in regard to this matter. I am glad there is general co-operation among Members in regard to putting through such legislation quickly, and I am a little disturbed at press reports to the contrary. I hope that the legislation, which will be introduced shortly, will get a speedy passage through the House.
The Cork Examiner had wide coverage of this Bill which has been circulated to some Members of the House. Would the Minister give an assurance that the Bill will be circulated to all Members of the House as well as to Government backbenchers?
To my knowledge the Bill has not been circulated.
There is a public debate on the Bill at present and we do not have copies of it.
The Bill is not ready for circulation. It has been cleared by the Government although some individual Ministers had reservations. I kept up the pressure and it has now gone to the draftsman. I can assure the Deputy that, when it is published, I will send him a copy and I should also like to discuss it with him.
I should like an explanation as to how a Government backbencher had a copy of the Bill and that it is a matter of public debate before the House had knowledge of it.
He did not get it from me.
The Minister informed us that local authorities would be asked to implement the new regulations. Does he envisage any problem in that regard because, when we tried to get a scheme off the ground in my constituency, the manager of the local authority was not in favour of getting involved in this area? Has the Minister had an assurance from the Department of the Environment that this legislation will be implemented?
Yes.
(Limerick West): The Minister said the regulations would be operated by the local authorities, but how will they be financed in regard to their operation?
Initially they will have to be given financial aid particularly in counties where the amount taken from dog licences would not cover the fees of dog wardens and other costs. However, it is hoped eventually that the system will be self-financing, as is the case in the North and the UK, from dog licences.