asked the Minister for Justice the reason action has not been taken in regard to wandering animals, the property of itinerants, grazing alongside the Portlaoise-Mountmellick road and the Mountmellick-Ballyfin road, the reason the Garda have not removed them to the local pound in the interests of public safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Limerick East): I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are three horses at Derrycloney, Mountmellick, which graze in the day-time on waste ground and wide margins adjoining the public road. As far as Garda observations go, the horses are always kept secured. The Garda state that at night the horses are tied up on waste ground adjoining the bridge at Derrycloney. The Garda state further that they have not seen the horses wandering on the public road nor have they received any complaint to that effect.

568.

asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of an attack on 10 June 1984 by unlicensed dogs, the property of itinerants, on a person (details supplied) in County Laois; if, after medical attention to the person, the incident was reported to the Garda who indicated they would destroy the dogs but failed to do so, in the absence of a court order and the dogs meanwhile attacked another person; the action, if any, that has been taken to destroy these dangerous dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Limerick East): While the details supplied by the Deputy do not in all respects correspond with the position as understood by the Garda, the incident referred to in the first part of the question has led to the institution of court proceedings which are at present awaiting hearing. I am informed by the Garda authorities that no report has been received at Mountmellick Garda Station in regard to a second incident.