asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the increasing number of stray dogs and that any action being taken to curb this problem is totally voluntary; and if he will encourage local authorities to help these voluntary organisations by providing a suitable pound where these dogs could be held until humanely destroyed.

Neither I nor the local authorities have any direct function in regard to the control of dog numbers. It has, however, been provided in the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976 that planning authorities may provide facilities for stray or unwanted dogs or cats, and may assist other bodies so providing. I am at present in consultation with the ISPCA in this matter and hope that a suitable scheme can be evolved in the near future.

May I ask if the consultations the Minister is having and the consideration he is giving to this matter might go as far as considering financing the appointment of dog wardens particularly in urban areas where the stray dog problem is a great nuisance and where extreme health hazards possibly arise from it? Would that meet with the Minister's approval?

I have no information regarding making arrangements for financing them.

I am asking if it were put to the Minister how he would regard it?

I would consider it.