Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to Dog Control 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 group is well placed to fully consider the breadth of issues in this complex area.

The first meeting of this group took place recently. A draft terms of reference was presented to the group and is currently with them for their formal adoption. As previously stated, it is my intention to publish the finalised terms of reference subject to the approval of the group.

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 this is available to the stakeholder group to support their work. This is in addition to the ongoing engagement undertaken by my officials on the subject matter, and by group members within their own networks.

There has been, and remains, significant debate about the best way forward in relation to many issues including breed specific legislation. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of this group in due course.