Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 1

Written Answers. - Control of Dogs.

Patrick McCartan

Ceist:

101 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Environment the cost to his Department for the years since the establishment of a dog warden service under the Control of Dogs Act, 1986, operated by (a) Dublin Corporation and (b) Dublin County Council; to whom the funds are paid on an annual basis; if he is satisfied with the legal and logistical support for the service; if the supports will be improved in view of the new powers involved in the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Bill, 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Dr. O'Hanlon)

My Department have not incurred any direct costs in relation to the dog warden services operated by Dublin Corporation and Dublin County Council. The enforcement of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986, and of regulations made under the Act is a matter for the local authorities, who are also responsible for meeting the costs involved. This would also be the case in relation to the provisions of the Control of Dogs (Amendment) Bill, 1991.

In the period 1987 to 1990, sums totalling £150,000 were paid by my Department to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in respect of support services relating to the 1986 Act provided by the society on a national basis.