I lend my voice and support to those involved in the campaign in relation to dog attacks on sheep. As we know, the lambing season is just beginning and is a very busy time for farmers. Unfortunately, the incidence of attacks on livestock is on the increase. Last year, 2025, there was a 4% increase on the 2024 figure. There were some 287 attacks by dogs that involved almost 2,100 animals, and two thirds of those, some 1,600, were sheep. It is a very traumatic experience for the farmers involved, not just from a financial perspective, but more so from an emotional perspective. To come upon an attack on sheep, in particular lambs, is a very traumatic experience.

Some work has been done in this regard but, unfortunately, it appears that much more needs to be done. It was somewhat disappointing that the Department of agriculture figures show that of the dogs that entered local authority pounds last year, only 56% were tagged. That is quite a depressing statistic, given that legislation was introduced in 2016 to ensure all dogs would be microchipped. Unfortunately, it appears that much needs to be done in this regard.

Many people have been involved in campaigns, including the farmers’ organisations. I pay particular credit to a County Monaghan family, Niamh Monahan and her father, Eamonn, from Inniskeen. They suffered an attack on their pedigree herd in 2025, which was a very traumatic experience for them. They are involved in the campaign and, for the information of Members, they are in the audiovisual room today, where Niamh is giving a presentation on what she feels has to be done. That presentation has been organised by our colleague, Senator Paul Daly. I would encourage as many as possible to attend.