Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

There were a couple of points. There is an opportunity for the local authority to second or contract the services of a body. That is the position in many local authorities currently under the Control of Dogs Act and some of these were outlined by Senator Boyle. That is an existing practice.

With regard to involvement of the local authority, it is worth mentioning that there has been no challenge in this jurisdiction under the legislation I mentioned, which has been in use for almost a quarter of a century. There has been no case of abuse or misuse of a position. There is a good track record from people who have been employed by the local authority under the Control of Dogs Act. This legislation concerns the welfare of dogs, although many other issues have been brought into the debate.

I outlined the fees earlier and they are contained in legislation. It would require a change in legislation to alter the fees. Where 12 bitches are kept, the fees are up to €400. For more than 200 bitches, the figure is €3,000.

We expect that the new system in respect of dog breeding establishments will be cost neutral to the Exchequer. The provisions relating to increasing dog licence fees will only reduce the losses local authorities incur at present in the context of providing dog control services. The new charges for licence fees will raise an estimated €4.3 million. This compares with a figure of €2.8 million in 2008. The cost of the service in that year was €5.7 million. Local authorities are currently meeting their responsibilities under the legislation relating to the control of dogs from within existing resources.

Question put and declared carried.