Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House to address this legislation. I also thank him for taking the time to do so. I am glad that we are ad idemon the nuisance that is dog fouling in the city and the scourge many people face daily on opening their door. Many dog walkers tend to have the same habits. Many people we have met wake up every morning to a little gift at the gate. It does not just happen on one morning; it might happen every second morning. It is not fair and not right.

This is essentially a respect Bill. Obviously, funding is the issue. If we had many more litter wardens monitoring each dog walker, we would be in a better position. However, we do not, unfortunately, have that luxury, as we know.

There are a few issues on which I would like to take the Minister to task in regard to the conclusions to which he has come. The first is on-the-spot fines. I agree that they have been a great success for local authorities across the country. I did not touch on the issue because I believe they are working very well. The Bill will actually complement the ability of local authorities to impose on-the-spot fines. It does not in any way undermine the message of enforcement.

The Minister has said we already have the law of negligence to deal with dog fouling and offences that stem from it. Both he and his adviser will know that many approaches to matters involving negligence are placed on a statutory footing just to cement them and show a willingness on the part of the Government. It is not something new; it is commonly done. Therefore, I disagree with the Minister in that regard.

I looked at the Fines Act. It does not limit the right of the Oireachtas to increase mandatory fines as it sees fit. I might discuss that issue with the Minister again. Ultimately, we know that the section on summary convictions and indictable offences has not been used. I refer to the section in which I am seeking to change the limits. Ultimately, enforcement is the key.

I am really introducing the Bill to highlight the scourge of dog fouling in the city. Something really needs to be done about it. My preference would be to have more resources. If we had some campaign to achieve respect for individuals, society and communities, it would be beneficial. The issue needs to be kept in the ether.

On bringing a civil action, the relevant Part of the Bill is actually new. Placing something on a statutory footing attaches to it a little more seriousness. It will go some way towards acting as a deterrent if it is advertised and people know about it.

I understand the Minister is to allow the Bill to proceed to the next Stage. I am glad that he is offering his services and inviting me to discuss with him how we can improve it, ensure it will work, have a meaningful outcome and help people who are affected by the problem.