Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I support the call by Senator Ross for a debate on autism. I also raise the issue of stray dogs and our desperate disregard for dogs. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to come into the House to discuss this topic. In County Westmeath last year we destroyed more than 600 dogs while in the whole of Scotland last year that number was not destroyed. It is all about awareness and lack of funding. There were two dog wardens in County Westmeath last year and now there is one. There is one dog pound. The ISPCA is being asked to take up the slack. We need to educate people and our children especially on how to care for animals. The number of stray dogs put down annually is a sad reflection on our country. It is a relevant and worthwhile debate.