Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Kyne on the matter of school meals. I raised a Commencement matter before the House, and as I think other Senators did, and the results of this need to be dealt with as quickly as possible. As Senator Kyne has rightly said, people who provide the service are opting out. I was talking to some people providing that service. It is incredible. The reality is that they are not covered. I know people in some of our own towns who are providing the service from their local supermarket or whatever, and are doing a very good job. They are only doing it there to accommodate the schools and are barely breaking even with it.

I want to welcome the recent announcement by the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, on dog control and the new measures to the effect that there will be an extra 40 dog wardens and a doubling of the fines. This is quick action by a Minister who sees a difficulty. We have had a lot of talk for many years about this problem. I am disappointed with some who are saying this is not enough and will not work. It is a big improvement and a big step forward. We have had a public debate about it. As we move forward, I hope everybody will take responsibility for their dogs. The lack of responsibility sometimes by dog owners is shocking. We know accidents can happen and a dog can break away and unfortunately attack sheep. An attack on sheep is just an incredibly horrible thing to happen. It causes stress to the animals and distress to families and young people in families. It is one of the most horrific things that can happen. Unfortunately, sheep are not able to fight back in any shape or form and they become huge victims of the attack. This is good action by a Minister who really sees what needs to be done. As we move forward, I hope we will see fewer attacks on sheep. Hopefully we will get this legislation through as quickly as possible to protect the flock and not see animals completely destroyed by dogs. We also have to realise that dogs have to be kept under control and under watch all the time.