asked the Minister for Finance if he will transfer responsibility for the collection of dog licences to local authorities; and if he will allow the local authorities to retain the amount collected on the basis that each local authority be responsible for the control of stray dogs; and that the money collected be used to finance a dog control/dog licensing scheme.

The problem of dog control is being examined at present by an inter-departmental committee. Questions such as the responsibility for collecting dog licence fees and the use of the amounts collected are being considered by that committee. I will be reviewing the position when the committee's report is available.