Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
538. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has put in place to inform the rescue groups and the general public of the new microchipping legislation in terms of outlining obligations such as in cases where dogs are already microchipped but may not be on the approved databases; and if these dogs are compliant. [31734/15]
View answer539. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to improve the quality of information available to the public and rescue organisations in relation to the new microchipping obligations which have come into effect, including comprehensive information being made available on his Department's website, print and social media as radio advertisements on the new legislation from one of the official database operators is not adequate to ensure maximum compliance. [31735/15]
View answer540. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has put in place to ensure enforcement of the microchipping legislation. [31736/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 538 to 540, inclusive, together.
The legal requirements for microchipping of dogs is set out in S.I. No 63 of 2015 - Microchipping of Dogs Regulations. With effect from September 1st 2015, all pups born on or after 1st June 2015 must be microchipped and registered on an approved database. From 31st March 2016 all dogs must be microchipped regardless of birth date. The focus at the moment is to encourage dog owners to comply with the new system. The legislation will be enforced by authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Comprehensive questions and answers are available on my Departments website: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/animalhealthwelfare/dogmicrochipping/DogMicrochippingFAQ120815.pdf.
I understand that a number of the approved databases have been assisting animal welfare charities in their efforts to meet the new microchipping requirements and a number of charities are themselves committing substantial funds towards assisting with microchipping.
Officials from my Department recently contacted all recipients of ex-gratia funding informing them of the regulations and how they apply to dogs in their care. In addition, I have made funding available to subsidise microchipping for dog owners who would find it difficult to afford the full cost i.e. social welfare recipients, those on state pensions, etc. Details of how to apply for funding is available at: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/animalhealthwelfare/dogmicrochipping/Microchippingfunding040915.pdf.
