Is it possible that between the Minister for the Environment, the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Agriculture they could come to some agreement regarding responsibility for control of stray dogs, which have lessened or halved our exports of lamb? The problem has now reached the stage that we are pussy-footing from one Department——

You can have a press conference outside but here you must ask a question.

I shall do that. May I ask the Minister of it is possible that this problem be given to the one Minister, whether for Environment, Agriculture or Justice so that something will be done about it as soon as possible?

I presume the Deputy is talking of dogs and cats. The Deputy may not have heard my reply in regard to the pounds for these animals and planning anthorities, but I have answered that. I agree with the other points the Deputy has raised. I understand about dogs and the loss of animals he has mentioned, but I think it is a question the Deputy should put down to the Minister for Agriculture who, I have no doubt, will give all the information possible.

I do not want to bark at the Minister but is there any truth in the rumour that the Taoiseach is going to acquire one of these pounds for some of the dissidents who have been baring their teeth in his own party recently?

I hear that there are a few over there also.