Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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We will not have a meeting of minds. Forgive my input as Chairman, but I am mindful of a cross-departmental issue. We are trying to get agreement on deeming environmental wardens, dog wardens and park rangers as authorised officers. I am sure that it is the case in many areas, but we have a serious problem concerning dogs on the hills in that they are brought onto open mountains by casual walkers and are causing carnage. Neither a park ranger nor a dog warden can be an authorised officer. There is a blatant disregard for animal welfare. If the person identified as the animal's owner was required to pay an on-the-spot fine, he or she might be deterred. Signs are fine, but this measure would be helpful. It goes beyond farmers. Indeed, it protects farmers.