Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa:

We engage with the local authorities on our policy responsibility. We have regular meetings with the CCMA's control of dogs working group. Department officials meet regularly with the vets to raise awareness of and discuss issues of mutual concern. Three to four meetings would be held annually and the meetings are chaired by the director of service under the auspices of the CCMA. It is an operational matter, which is the responsibility of the local authority.