Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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606. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the role of microchipping animals in preventing the theft of companion animals; the number of Garda stations that have microchip scanners; the locations of these stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15498/23]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda resources. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

Having a microchipped animal means found or recovered animals can be reunited quickly to their rightful owners, reducing the stress for the animal and owner alike. An Garda Síochána promote and encourage the microchipping of companion animals, but have no role in the microchipping process.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána does not supply scanners to Garda Divisions to allow for the reading of microchips used in the tagging of animals. As the need arises Gardaí seek the assistance of local vets to ascertain if animals have a microchip inserted, and the vet also provides details of the registration as it pertains to the chip, if available. There is currently no plan for the roll out of scanners to individual stations.

The Deputy may be interested to know that the Department of Agriculture has made regulations covering the advertising for sale of animals under the Animal Welfare (Sale or Supply of Pets) Regulations 2019.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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607. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of awareness campaigns run by his Department or An Garda Síochána concerning preventing the theft of companion animals, including details of how much was spent on these campaigns, and the media through which they were distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15499/23]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including any decisions in relation to the allocation and control of Garda resources, including public awareness campaigns. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that while there has been no specific public information campaign on the theft of companion animals, An Garda Síochána have provided information via the Crimecall television programme, on preventing dog theft and livestock theft.

In addition, An Garda Síochána share information on how to prevent dog theft via their social media channels, and on burglary prevention, which is important in preventing the theft of companion animals. This includes the 'Lock Up Light Up' campaign and specific advice on burglary prevention published via the Garda website.

I am further advised that the Garda Crime Prevention Officers Network promote crime prevention campaigns throughout the country, and An Garda Síochána promotes crime prevention advice at a number of major events, including the BT Young Scientists Exhibition, the National Ploughing Championships and others.

With regard to the cost of these measures, I am advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to give a centralised total, as they are paid for at Divisional level.