Coveney to introduce dog micro-chipping; Healy-Rae calls it an 'overreaction'

Legislation requiring all dogs to be micro-chipped is to be introduced by the Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

Mr Coveney said it will take some time to put the necessary regulation in place and measures will be taken to ensure it is cost-effective.

The micro-chipping will apply across the board and Minister Coveney has said he wants a central database to determine the number of dogs in the country.

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae has said the Minister is overreacting.

Mr Healy-Rae said: "This is an overreaction by the Minister an overreaction by the department, again it is Ireland jumping to regulate and legislate ahead of the rest of the world.

"Why is it that, when it comes to things like this, we have to be the first to run to the legislative line?

"I would have concerns if it is going to cost €40 of €50 per dog."