Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

When working with dog owners on responsible ownership, I hope the issue of dog fouling is also addressed. It is a scourge on footpaths throughout the country. What is going on is absolutely appalling. It is a lack of enforcement. A small level of enforcement would do a lot. If people own a dog, they have to clean up after it, full stop. Instead, often the dogs are fouling outside the door of elderly, older and vulnerable people. They are left to clean up after someone else’s dog that has fouled on their footpath. It is completely unacceptable.

I thank the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy O’Brien, for their engagement. I also thank the officials. That concludes the business in public session. I thank the Minister, the Minister of State and their officials for participating today.