To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to detail the discussions he has had with counterparts in the Republic of Ireland in relation to (i) the differing dog control laws between the two countries; and (ii) the action being taken to prevent dogs of breeds banned in Northern Ireland to enter this jurisdiction from the Republic of Ireland.

I have been in contact with the Minister for Rural and Community Development in the Republic of Ireland (ROI), Heather Humphries TD, in relation to the XL Bully legislation I am bringing forward. When in operation, the legislation will bring Northern Ireland (NI) into parity with the ROI in terms of the legal requirement for XL Bully type dogs to be on a lead and muzzled when in a public place.

Minister Humphries has established a cross Governmental stakeholders working group to consider dog control, and in particular restricted breeds. My officials have ongoing engagement with counterparts in the Department of Rural and Community Development and expect to meet in the coming months as the group identifies its priority actions.

Anyone travelling from the ROI into NI with their XL Bully type dog will be subject to the legal restrictions and safeguarding measures my Department is planning to introduce.