Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1383. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice her Department’s plans, if any, to improve the security of ports to ensure that dogs that have been stolen are stopped before they are exported from Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42383/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, there are a number of State agencies involved in the security of Ports of Entry to the State that do not rest under my remit as Minister for Justice. These include Revenue's Customs Service, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Transport, Harbour Police and the Defence Forces.
The primary function of An Garda Síochána at ports is immigration control of passengers seeking to enter the State, while responsibility for the investigation of all goods (including live animals) leaving and entering the State is the responsibility of Revenue's Customs Officers.
In relation to dog theft, as the Deputy is aware, An Garda Síochána record and investigate any report of the theft of a dog in line with crime recording and investigation policies. Detection of dog theft is subject to intelligence led operations and the relevant information coming to hand which is shared with all agencies tasked with the prevention and detection of the illicit export of stolen dogs.
The Garda National Crime Prevention Unit coordinates crime prevention initiatives aimed at reducing crime. They include crime prevention information campaigns via social media and traditional media. Further information is available at the below link.
garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/dog-theft-crime-prevention-advice.html.
