asked the Minister for Justice the steps he proposes to take to give redress to motorists who suffer personal injury or damage as a result of animals trespassing or straying on the public highway; and if he will give details of the legislative measures he proposes to bring forward and the statutes he proposes to amend.

In their first programme of work laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in January, 1977, the Law Reform Commission undertook to examine the present state of the law in relation to liability for injuries or damages caused by animals. This examination will cover, among other matters, the specific question of liability for injury or damage caused by animals trespassing or straying on the public highway.

I understand that the commission hope to publish in the near future a working paper on the subject which will include recommendations for re-form of the law. Until such time as the commission's recommendations have been examined I will not be in a position to make any decisions on the matter.

Does the Minister consider it is right that the onus to prevent animals from straying on the public road rests on the owner of the animals and, that being so, does he not regard it as unjust that the motorist not alone cannot recover damages but must himself pay for any damage that occurs to animals?

It is a very important area and one which must be given consideration. I am sure this will be considered by the Law Reform Commission.

I remember this being raised 12 years ago.

Order.