asked the Minister for the Environment the amount of money that has been expended to date from his Estimate in relation to the provision of homes or shelters for stray or unwanted dogs and cats; the organisations in receipt of these funds; and if he is satisfied, in view of the health hazard and nuisance caused by these animals, that these organisations have sufficient resources to carry out their activities.

: There has been no expenditure to date from the Vote for my Department on the scheme announced on 30 March last to recoup to planning authorities one half of the cost of assistance which they decide to give to organisations providing homes or shelters for stray or unwanted dogs and cats. It is a matter for each planning authority to assess the position in their area and having decided on the amount of assistance required to submit proposals to my Department for allocation of the recoupment grant.

: In view of the fact that those organisations carry out duties which would otherwise be the responsibility of his Department and perform a very useful function in preventing disease and seeing that a health hazard is not caused by straying of unwanted dogs and cats, would the Minister not agree that these organisations deserve to have sufficient funds at all times to ensure that this work is carried out efficiently?

: I am prepared to recoup the cost, as I said, but no applications have been made to me yet for the money made available by my Department.

: The Minister would be favourably disposed towards such applications?

: The scheme which I announced last March to recoup planning authorities one half of the cost of assistance is still available but I have no applications.

: How many local authorities have responded to this circular?

: I have not that information. I have no request for moneys at this stage.

: No local authority has asked for financial assistance?

: As of now.