My Department has responsibility for the protection and welfare of animals kept for farming purposes. I understand that the goats on Howth Head have been introduced to the area by Fingal County Council with permission from the National Parks and Wildlife Service as the land is designated a special area of conservation. Accordingly, issues relating to the management of the goats are the responsibility of Fingal County Council which is a local authority under the remit of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.