Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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650. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the Control of Dogs Act review group, the persons or bodies that are the members of the group; the terms of reference of the group; the persons or bodies that are the stakeholders involved; if academic research will be consulted during the process; the estimated timeline of completion of the review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2976/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Officials from my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development met on 13th January to discuss the setting up of this working group, which is a priority for both Departments. The terms of reference are currently being developed.

There is a clear commitment from Minister Humphreys and me, and our respective Departments, to tackle this issue and ensure that the law is as robust as possible, to ensure that both people and animals are safe.

Our dogs are more than pets, they are our companions and loyal friends. However, scenes we have witnessed recently show the threat dogs can pose if they are not properly controlled by their owners. Both Minister Humphreys and I will work proactively on this in the time ahead.