Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)

This is really important because if we do not address it, we are going to see great difficulty in the future for greenways and walkways. Farmers will not engage with councils. Greenways have been a massive lifeline for rural Ireland. It is critically important for the tourism sector that we address this issue. I agree with all the points made and the report we have committed to doing. However, in regard to enforcement, it is an oversight that some counties have no dog wardens, while other counties may have part-time dog wardens. In cases where dog wardens are on holidays or sick, there are gangs who realise what is happening and are able to roam the country. The report should investigate the ability of members of An Garda Síochána to carry out their function regarding this as well. For example, every squad car in the country should have the ability to scan a dog. Currently that is not the case. That is something we should look at seriously.

On sanctions, while we are going to catch everyone, we should make an example out of a number of perpetrators. Currently, the fixed penalty notice is €300. That is not good enough. The committee should recommend an increase in the penalty to the Minister.

Mr. Bourke made a key point on accessibility and suitability. We should examine that, particularly in examples where we know there is a suspected offender or, for example, where there are cases - going back to the topic of gangs - where the dogs are possessed and are microchipped. Those gangs are moving the dogs on because they are now traceable. That is what is happening. We know that where dogs are microchipped, owners are more vigilant. Mr. Bourke raised an important point on suitability and I will be recommending to the Minister that a suitability plan be developed, particularly for offenders or people known to the warden.