Paraic Brady (Fine Gael)

I thank all the associations here. Last weekend, I made a request for them to attend, especially the NARGC. To make it known, I am a member of the NARGC and keep hunting dogs at home. Everybody is responsible for their own dog, just to make that clear. Every dog is a pet until the pets get together and then become killing machines. Unfortunately, I keep sheep as well. I have some questions that someone can maybe answer. Physical violence to any landowner is unacceptable. Most people condemn it at all costs.

Have we any figures on the cost to farmers of sheep-worrying and the loss of sheep last year?

On dog wardens, how many prosecutions have there been over the last 12 months by local authorities? Have we figures on that?

Anybody who is eligible to carry a firearm is licensed to protect his or her own property or livestock but I do not know whether the legislation allows a farmer to bring someone who has a licence onto his or her land, if there has been sheep-worrying, to shoot a dog. I am not sure whether the legislation is strong enough. Maybe the witnesses would like to comment on that.