Taoiseach Simon Harris backs call to ban XL Bully dogs in Ireland

Taoiseach Simon Harris says he is in favour of a ban on the XL Bully dog breed, particularly in light of the tragic death of Nicole Morley in the past week. 

Young mother Nicole Morey (23) was brutally attacked and killed by the breed - within hours of celebrating her birthday at a house in Limerick.

Speaking to RTÉ news on Tuesday morning, the Taoiseach said he would like to see a ban on the XL bully dog breed and that there is a "clear need" for Government action on this.

He said the issues around this breed of dog will be discussed at Cabinet today (Tuesday).

He expressed his sympathies to the family of Nicole Morey, who died last week.

"What I would most particularly like to see is the work of the taskforce that Minister Humphreys has established to examine all of these issues and conclude as quickly as possible. 

"This work needs to happen in an expeditious manner," he said. 

"I think of Nicole Morey and her family and extend my sympathies and condolences to her (family) at this most tragic and traumatic time for them," the Taoiseach said. 

"There is a clear need for Government action on this," he said. 

No breed of dog is currently banned in Ireland. However, if you have certain types or breeds of dog, there are additional rules you must follow.

This applies to the following types of dog, as well as strains or cross-breeds of these breeds: American pit bull terrier, English bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, Bull mastiff, Dobermann pinscher, German shepherd (Alsatian), Rhodesian ridgeback, Rottweiler, Japanese akita, Japanese tosa, Bandog.

In Ireland restricted dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be:

Kept on a short strong lead (under 2 metres)

With someone over the age of 16, who is able to control them

Muzzled when in a public place

Wearing a collar with the name and address of their owner, at all times