Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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74. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce legislation to make micro-chipping of cats mandatory, so as to reduce the number of wild and feral cats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39638/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have no immediate plans to legislate for microchipping of cats. It is the responsibility of cat owners throughout the country to ensure the welfare of cats in their care. Animal welfare organisations in receipt of funding from my Department, to assist their work in rescuing feral cats are required to introduce trap, neuter and return, TNR, programmes whereby they neuter or spay cats, with the long-term view of controlling their numbers.