Mr. Tomás Bourke:

I thank Deputy Fitzmaurice. He has, to a large extent, identified some of the key issues. The key area in enforcement is that the deterrent has to be awareness of the significance of the sanctions. I welcome the Deputy's proposal with regard to preventing any future ownership of a person found to not be meeting their legal obligation to maintain their dog under their effective control. We must also look at extending the sanctions for what damage they cause on farms with regard to potential custodial sentences and significant fines. We can achieve that.

The issues of enforcement and clarity about the roles of An Garda Síochána, authorised officers or dog wardens have come up. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 clearly defines roles and responsibilities. We need to include in the report the recommendation that the worrying of livestock and savaging of sheep be included in this Act and the sanctions within the legislation should apply. That gives the correct authorities to An Garda Síochána-----