asked the Minister for Finance the number of current dog licences.

The number of dog licences taken out in the year 1979, the most recent year for which full figures are available, was 104,184.

Is the Minister aware that only a small proportion of all the dogs known to be in existence are licensed and that the system is not working? As a result many farmers are losing livestock because of marauding stray unlicensed dogs.

The implementation of the system and the sanctions to be imposed on those who do not take out licences is not a matter for me, but I will convey the Deputy's concern to the Minister concerned.

Can the Minister estimate the actual number of dogs in the country?

I am afraid not.

It is twice or three times the figure given.