Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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643. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to preparing a "positive list" i.e. a list of species permitted to be kept as pets by private owners, particularly given the recent public outcry following footage of a zebra inside a pub in County Clare. [56728/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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In November 2021, the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, established the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW) comprising independent members, with a range of expertise and experience.

ACCAW advises me on policy matters and where appropriate, issues guidelines and recommendations in relation to companion animals. Among items under consideration, by ACCAW, is a positive list of species permitted to be kept as pets. ACCAW will revert to me when they have fully considered the matter.

The matter of animal welfare is a constantly evolving topic and all aspects are kept under on-going review.

Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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644. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration has been given to implementing Lucy’s Law in the Republic of Ireland given that it is being implemented in Northern Ireland and in view of the fact the puppy trade is exacerbated given the Border (details supplied). [56729/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.

My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the area of animal health and welfare, the legislative environment more generally, and having regard to the practical lessons learned from operating the Act.

A high-level stakeholder group was established in 2024 to consider policy and legislative matters, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.

The stakeholder group’s remit includes considering the need for legislative change. This requires in-depth analysis and consultation to ensure that amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable, but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities.

My Department is committed to reviewing all legislation relating to dogs, and in this regard will be guided by the recommendations of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter in due course.