Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

428. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to waiver dog licence fees in respect of senior citizens, living on their own and over 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14798/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The most recent increase in the dog licence fee took effect over 13 years ago, on 1 January 2012. This was the first increase since 1998 and was in line with the increase in the consumer price index. Since January 2012, the dog licence fees have remained at €20 for the individual dog licence, €140 for the lifetime of dog licence and €400 for the general dog licence. The general dog licence covers an unspecified number of dogs in the one premises. The annual dog licence and general dog licence are valid for one year while the lifetime of dog licence is valid for the dog’s lifetime.

Dog licensing is an important dog control measure. Funds raised through dog licence fees are the primary source of funding for local authorities to enable them to undertake their responsibilities under the Control of Dogs Acts and associated regulations. I have no plans to adjust the cost of the dog licence fee at this time.

As part of the Programme for Government, the Government has set out how it intends to provide for an enhanced approach to dog control issues. In this regard, all legislation and policy in relation to the Control of Dogs, Dog Welfare and Dog Breeding Establishments will rest with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Discussions are currently ongoing between my Department and that Department to implement this Transfer of Functions in a timely manner.

In the meantime, I am fully committed to progressing the work in this area.