asked the Minister for Agriculture the proposals, if any, to increase the fines under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act in view of the threat to the sheep industry from stray or uncontrolled dogs.

I have no proposals in hand at the present time to increase the level of fines provided for in the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act, 1960.

Would the Minister not agree that the value of money has fallen considerably since these fines were set under this legislation and, at the same time, the problem of dogs worrying sheep has increased? The Minister should take action to increase fines in relation to stray dogs. This is a grave problem for the sheep industry particularly where it is carried on near centres of population.

I agree with both sentiments expressed by Deputy Bruton. The value of the monetary fine has diminished greatly in real terms and the value of the stock attacked by dogs has also increased. The menace of stray dogs to sheep flocks, if anything, has become more difficult. In the light of these facts, I will have the question of the revision examined on the lines suggested by the Deputy.