Dáil Éireann - Volume 462 - 12 March, 1996

Written Answers. - Dog Licence Representations.

Mr. Bradford Mr. Bradford

129. Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for the Environment if he will respond favourably to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [5734/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin) Brendan Howlin

2239

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin): The annual dog licence fee of £5 is used by local authorities to finance the operation of dog control services, including the employment of dog wardens and the operation of dog shelters, for which there is strong local demand. The current level of licensing is low and local authorities are incurring substantial deficits on the operation of their dog [2239] control services. The exemption of any particular group from the licence fee would require amending legislation and would add to these deficits. In any event, I am not convinced that the present licence fee is a serious deterrent to dog ownership by old age pensioners.

Dáil Éireann 462 Written Answers. Dog Licence Representations.

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