Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

On the Adjournment recently, I raised the issue of the lack of enforceable legislation for dangerous dogs. I have been made aware of various cases of loose dogs on other's private property. On Highland Radio yesterday, I commented on a case where a child was badly bitten by a dog on another's property but it did not fall under a dangerous dog category. The answers I am receiving do not indicate whether there is a gap in legislation. The Garda and the dog wardens in County Donegal claim they do not have legislation to deal with certain cases of dangerous dogs. Can the Garda and dog wardens have the existing legislation clarified? Publication of the animal welfare Bill is 18 months away but I do not want a case of a child being badly injured by a dog before then.

Ba mhaith liom ceist a chur as Béarla. Yesterday the Seanad was interested in devoting three days to debating the Irish language and culture. Will the Leader consider moving the Seanad for a week to the Donegal Gaeltacht to experience immersion in Irish?