Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 590: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role he has in the operation of the ISPCA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9414/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department has no role in the operation of the ISPCA. The ISPCA maintains and operates a guard dog register in accordance with the Control of Dogs Act 1986 (Guard Dogs) Regulations 1988. My Department makes an annual payment to the society in respect of the costs incurred on this task. In 2005, the payment amounted to €40,000. In addition, under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 each local authority is obliged to employ one or more persons as dog wardens for the purposes of the Act. Under section 15 of the Act, a local authority may enter into arrangements with other bodies, including the ISPCA, to discharge these functions. I understand that a number of local authorities have entered into such arrangements.