Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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535. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce dog breed neutral legislation in relation to the control of dogs here; if legislating restrictions or bans by breed has resulted in reduced injuries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1753/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The primary legislation in relation to the control of dogs – the 1986 Control of Dogs Act - is already dog breed neutral in that it requires all dog owners or persons in charge of a dog to keep the dog under effectual control. Further specific control requirements in relation to certain breeds were also set out in the Control of Dogs (Restriction of Certain Dogs ) Regulations, 1991 and updated in 1998. The decision to introduce further specific control requirements in relation to certain breeds was taken as a balanced and workable arrangement which recognises the rights of dog owners versus the needs of society to be protected from dogs with a significant capability to inflict very serious injury. It followed detail consultation with interested parties , including the Irish Kennel Club, the ISPCA, the Irish Veterinary Association, the Irish Veterinary Union, the Association of Dog Wardens, the Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland), the Irish Guide Dogs Association and Bord na gCon. It is not my intention at present to revoke the provisions of this legislation. My Department does not maintain statistics on injuries due to dog attacks.