Humphreys ‘open to ban’ dangerous dog breeds
HEATHER Humphreys is “very open” to the idea of copying the UK’S decision to ban certain dangerous breeds of dogs including the XL Bully.
It comes as the Rural and Community Development Minister will tell Cabinet this morning that former Garda Assistant Commissioner John Twomey is to head up a new stakeholder group on Dog Control.
The group will be tasked with bringing recommendations to Ms Humphreys with a view to strengthening the legislation around the control of dogs.
The Irish Mirror understands the group will be made up of representatives from key Government departments, as well as stakeholders such as the Irish Farmers Association, Dogs Trust, Comhairle na Tuaithe and the ISPCA.
Earlier this year, Ms Humphreys announced a series of measures in response to high-profile dog attacks.
These include trebling the on-the-spot fines for the most serious offences from €100 to €300.
Elsewhere at this morning’s Cabinet meeting, Education Minister Norma Foley will bring a memo about the rollout of the free school books scheme for Junior Cycle students.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will confirm that 310,000 people will be offered a measles catch-up vaccine.
Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney will seek Cabinet approval for measures to help businesses with costs.
They include an additional €15million through Local Enterprise Offices to enable a top-up payment of up to €3,000 in the energy efficiency grant for a business in the hospitality and retail sectors.
Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, will update colleagues on a number of measures being taken to attract people into careers in construction and offshore wind.