Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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504. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update in relation to the Control of Dogs Act 1986 working group; if he will provide details of the number of additional dog wardens to be recruited; if there are any plans for a recruitment campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30854/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, In January this year I convened a Working Group on the Control of Dogs.

The Group is composed of officials at my Department, the Department of Rural and Community Development, representatives of the County and City Managers Association, including representatives of local authority dog wardens and veterinary inspectors, and representatives of An Garda Síochána.

Among 15 recommendations, the report contains a recommendation to increase the number of dog wardens, noting the increased resource allocation which will be necessary to achieve this. The report identifies the local authorities as the lead agency on this recommendation. My Department does not have a role in the recruitment of dog wardens, whose function is under the Control of Dogs Act and whose services are engaged by local authorities.