Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleague, Senator Paul Coghlan, in welcoming the good news announced yesterday by the Minister, Deputy Coveney, that all dogs will be microchipped. This is a good move. It will create better animal welfare in the first place. It is important that we keep the cost to a minimum and that there is no extra cost, in addition to the licence fee, on dog owners. For any of us who have been affected by the considerable problem of dogs worrying sheep, particularly at this time of year, this will control them. I read in the newspapers yesterday that a young girl was mauled to death in England in a dog attack. It is important that we control dogs and ensure that they are registered and that owners know where their dogs are at all times and keep them under control.