Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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. It is my intention to publish the terms of reference, 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. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the group in due course.

It should be noted that this work is in addition to the continuing work of the interagency working group on dog control matters chaired by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, details of which are available on www.gov.ie/en/publication/0d6d7-working-group-on-control-of-dogs/