Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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688. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to change the legislation on dog breeding so that it encompasses a more breed neutral system than the breed specific system currently in place; if he will provide further information on a number of reports that have highlighted the short-comings of the current system; if he will consult with experts and organisations such as Dogs Trust and Veterinary Ireland for their current understanding, guidance and expertise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13485/14]

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. Specific control requirements in relation to certain dog breeds were set out in the Control of Dogs (Restriction of Certain Dogs) Regulations 1991 and updated in 1998. The decision to introduce these urther specific control requirements 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.

Several jurisdictions have addressed the matter of restrictions of particular breeds of dogs in a similar way to Ireland. It is worth noting that England, Northern Ireland, France and New Zealand all have similar restrictions on specific breeds of dogs. My Department is, and will continue to be, in regular contact with interested parties such as Dogs Trust and the ISPCA on several matters, including the regulations in question. It is not my intention at present to amend the relevant legislative provisions.