Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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2023.To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to reduce dog bite incidents in the community; if her attention has been drawn to research which suggests legislation banning a specific breed has little effect on the total number of dog bites and that a multifactorial approach is needed instead; and if she will make a statement on the matter.[34098/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department has policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.

In March 2024 I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation these issues. The group is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr John Twomey and is comprised of members with a broad range of expertise.

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. This includes but is not limited to how to address issues such as dog bites. However, the issues raised are wide ranging and complex and require in depth analysis and consultation to ensure amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable, but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities and for dogs themselves. This work will progress throughout 2024.

I recently announced a ban on XL Bully dogs in the interest of public safety following a number of recent horrific attacks. It is critically important that we take action now so that Ireland is not out of step with neighbouring jurisdictions in Northern Ireland and the UK on this important matter.

I acknowledge that some people will not agree with the ban, however, my overriding priority in making this decision is to keep people safe.