Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 339: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce a system of compulsory microchipping for dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41135/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Dog Breeding Establishments Act was signed by the President on 21 July, 2010 following its passage through the Oireachtas. It is intended that the Act will commence in early 2011. Section 16 provides that it will be unlawful for the operator of a dog breeding establishment to keep a dog that is over 12 weeks old which is not implanted with a microchip. The time limit for microchipping will reduce to 8 weeks after the first year of operation of the Act. This provision will assist local authorities in identifying dogs as part of their dog control functions.