Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to his proposal that all dog owners have to pay €50 to microchip their dogs, his views on whether this proposal will put struggling farmers to another expense in particular in the cases where they may have a number of dogs in order to carry out their day today work; his further views on whether it is practical to ask vets to carry out the work at cost-price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16566/13]

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the mandatory micro chipping of dogs will result in the abolition of dog licences; if the chipping of dogs will be held in a central database in his Department or in some other agency; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that when introduced the mandatory micro chipping of dogs and the legal requirement to have a dogs licence will be duplication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16756/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1009 and 1029 together.

My Department will carry out a public consultation on the issue of micro-chipping of dogs in the coming months. I have already received a number of submissions on the issue and my Department will examine all views to ensure that the detailed proposals are practical and effective. With regard to the cost of micro chipping, my intention is to ensure that the cost is kept to a minimum and that the policy is affordable to all members of society. There are currently no plans to do away with the current dog licensing system.