Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

3. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce more dog waste bags in public places in view of the fact that dog litter is a major problem. [19724/14]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister provide more dog waste bags in public places, in view of the fact that dog litter is now a major problem? In recent weeks candidates have been canvassing in the local elections. Incidentally, there is an excellent candidate, Councillor Damian O'Farrell, running in the Clontarf ward.

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Pooper scooper extraordinaire.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We hear about water charges and household charges, but dog litter is another issue that is under the radar. Many parents with young families are very concerned about the amount of dog litter in our parks and on our footpaths. They are afraid to let their children out to play on the greens or to walk along the paths. This is a very serious issue so will the Minister do something about it?

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 provide the statutory framework to combat littering and include provisions relating to dog fouling.  Under the Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering, including the provision of dog waste bags in public places, is a matter for local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority, including the Deputy's councillor friend, to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution locally, within the legislative framework, including the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement and clean-up actions relating to litter and dog fouling, taking account of its local circumstances and priorities.

To support them in delivering this important statutory function, my Department provides a substantial amount of money each year under the anti-litter-anti-graffiti awareness grant scheme to each local authority to support suitable projects, schemes and initiatives tailored to create awareness, educate and combat the issue of litter within their functional areas. Projects eligible for funding under the scheme include the provision of "pooper scooper" materials to assist in the disposal of faeces, when a dog litters while in a public place. Awareness campaigns educating people about the dangers associated with dog fouling and the proper disposal of same are also supported. Sufficient resources are given by the Department to the local authorities to do what the Deputy has asked.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response but the message I am getting in the area is that there are insufficient resources, an issue that is often brushed under the carpet. There are probably very well behaved dogs in Kilkenny and Tullaroan-----

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

And cats.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----and perhaps some of them are very posh dogs, but does the Minister accept that this is a major health issue, particularly for families with young children? I accept that it is up to the dog owners to be responsible. I have seen three types of dog owners. There are the responsible ones, the irresponsible ones and the ones who pretend to be responsible. The responsible owners pick up the litter, the irresponsible owners do not care about their neighbours or young children and the ones who pretend to be responsible pretend that they care and then let their dogs out at night, when everybody is gone to bed, to run around the green and destroy the greens in housing estates. When the young children come out in the morning, the place is littered with dog dirt.

It is a very important environmental issue, and I realise the Minister and the Department take it seriously. There is also a serious related health issue. It is important that we examine this issue and act on it by implementing the rules. The Minister must also ensure that resources are provided to Dublin City Council to let people such as the excellent independent Councillor Damian O'Farrell to get on with his job and do his best for his city.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I hope the excellent councillor the Deputy mentions will do his job and prioritise the resources that are already in place in Dublin City Council to do the job the Deputy referred to in his question regarding dog fouling. It is a very important issue and it is a nuisance for people. There is a responsibility on certain individuals. There are already many enforcement measures in the Litter Pollution Acts. Penalties for littering offences, including dog fouling, range from on-the-spot fines of €150 to a maximum fine of €3,000 on summary conviction. Such measures are already in place, but the issue is enforcement and prioritisation. Obviously the councillor in the Deputy's area has not prioritised this matter to the extent he should-----

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

He is working very hard.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The money is available to do this. It is given to the local authorities each year. It is a question of ensuring that the councillor's voice is a little louder with his colleagues on Dublin City Council to ensure that this issue is dealt with.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is Deputy McGrath happy with that?

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is a dog's life.