Mr. Paul Geraghty:

I thank Senator Boyhan and I will try to take questions in order. With regard to the statistics, as has been pointed out by the committee previously we have always focused on the accurate collation and publication of statistics in a timely manner. Recently we were challenged as to what we do after this. This year we have written into our business plan for the unit that we will put more focus on the interrogation of the statistics to see whether local issues or trends emerge on which we can work with local authorities as far as we can to help them with enforcement.

With regard to local authority finances, resources and skillsets, the dog warden service and the veterinary service are paid for out of the Vote of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It is then a matter for the local authorities to decide how they apply their resources locally. They are obliged to have at least one dog warden in each local authority area. After that it is matter for the chief executive and workforce planning. With regard to what the Department has done to build these skillsets, we run regular training events and networking days for veterinarians and wardens to get them together to share good practice. This is an intervention made by the Department.

Senator Boyhan asked about the increase in penalties for livestock worrying and there are two elements to this. There are the on-the-spot fines, which the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, is very keen to increase from €100 to €250. There are also the fines that are applied by the courts. At present the ceiling is €2,500 and the Minister is keen to increase them. This will require an adjustment to the primary legislation.

I will ask my colleague from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Ryan, to expand on the control of dogs working group with regard to timelines and delivery. Senator Boyhan also asked a question about-----