Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I support Senators O'Toole and Brian Hayes regarding the plight of the Limerick great-grandmother. It is a poor use of Garda and prison resources to deal with a woman in her state in that fashion. However, that does not detract from the fact the control of dogs is an issue. Perhaps the Leader might organise a relatively short debate in this House, particularly in the run-up to Christmas. Much of the problem arises from pets being given to children at Christmas, a wholly inappropriate practice that should obviously be addressed soon. I was appalled to hear a County Clare dog warden talk the other day of several houses in the county with over 50 dogs. When one considers the damage to livestock and young children, one sees that the control of dogs is a real issue. We have seen appalling attacks by marauding dogs on young children and livestock. While we should not confuse the two matters, it is important that a strong statement be made on dog control.