My question is not motivated by a recent personal loss caused by dogs in my area but the Minister should consider some form of compensation to flock owners for the serious losses incurred by marauding dogs. As the Minister is well aware — and I have personal experience in this regard — the Garda find it extremely difficult to get the dogs involved in these instances and to issue prosecutions. My own failure to shoot a few dogs resulted in a loss to myself.

I suggest that the Deputy should have a chat with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, and try to get some portion of the increased dog licence fee announced in the budget. Certainly compensation is a matter that should be considered.