Ms Deirdre Kelly:

Following on from what Mr. Ryan said about the XL bully breeds, we have had interactions in the recent past, within the past couple of months, with our colleagues in Northern Ireland. We have another meeting at the end of this week with our UK colleagues. We are keeping a close eye on the situation relating to XL bullies. Part of our responsibility also relates to the Control of Dogs Act, which includes the restricted breeds list. Any changes or amendments to that legislation will be part of the discussions that will be held at the stakeholder group, which will also include a behavioural expert in the context of those behavioural issues. The whole discussion around what Ireland will do in respect of restricted breeds will form part of the information gathering exercise for the stakeholder group around the change of the Control of Dogs Act.

There may be an argument or a debate within Ireland that the XL bullies are already covered by the restricted breeds list. A mix of breeds are already covered on the list and the Act states specifically that any mix of the breeds is covered by the list. The Taoiseach has already stated that the discussion around banning breeds is not something that has come up. Those are all parts of the discussion that will be had at the stakeholder group. The issues of banning breeds, extending restricted breeds lists or adding additional breeds to the restricted lists will all form part of the considerations of the stakeholder group. That will be informed by people who have expertise in dog behaviour.