Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are certainly not saying there is an issue with them. We appreciate that huge strides have been made. We have an awful lot of very responsible pet owners but similarly, 5% of irresponsible pet owners is still 5% too many. That is what we need to address.

In terms of the Department, does Ms Kelly think there is potential for engagement with the Department of Education? We probably look at many families in terms of the focus we are putting on special education and pets and their importance in a home. Does Ms Kelly not think there is a huge educational advantage in linking up with the Department? There could probably be some more prudent spending of our money in terms of the high-profile media campaigns we are spending money on sometimes.