Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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1726. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, in relation to the high-level stakeholder group on the control of dogs, she will provide information (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14351/24]

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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1730. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when and how the public and public representatives can engage with the new stakeholder group established to deal with dangerous breeds of dogs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14693/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1726, 1730 and 1731 together.

I am committed to improving outcomes in relation to Dog Control in Ireland and in this context, I recently announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation these issues. I have appointed John Twomey as Chair of the stakeholder group, which comprises members with a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, dog trainers and behaviourists, hunting and farming interests, and animal welfare organisations.

The first meeting of this group took place recently and we are currently finalising the terms of reference for the group. It is my intention to publish the TOR, agendas and meeting minutes subject to the approval of the group. I expect to receive one formal report each year, in addition to regular updates on the work.

The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. While this remit includes consideration of ‘dangerous dogs’ it also encompasses broader topics. Decisions on any consultation processes to be undertaken by the Stakeholder group will be a matter for the group.

A comprehensive public consultation was undertaken by my Department in relation to dog control policy and legislation in 2019. Over one thousand submissions were received as part of the 2019 consultation and the resulting report is available to the stakeholder group to support their work. The work of the group will also be informed by the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine and my Department's extensive public and stakeholder engagement via existing structures, outreach work and events such as the National Ploughing Championships.