Laws around the control of dogs look set to be tightened, following an attack on a young boy in Wexford last month.
The Agriculture Minister has written to his fellow ministers to try to improve coordination between government departments and people's safety.
At present, three government departments, along with local authorities, are responsible for policing dogs.
Nine-year-old Alejandro Miszan was playing with friends in a housing estate in Enniscorthy when he was attacked by a dog.
He suffered horrific facial injuries and will require ongoing care moving forward.
“Obviously, the situation in Wexford was absolutely horrifying,” said Minister McConalogue.
“It is something we want to ensure at the Government level in terms of policy, funding and enforcement, that every effort is being made to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
“That is work that I will be stepping up with my Cabinet colleagues in the week ahead.”
The Minister agreed that Ireland’s current restricted dog breed laws are not being enforced.
“I think that is a real issue,” he said.
“There is a law in place for certain breeds that are regarded as dangerous and to be muzzled when they are in public and to be on a lead.
“It is not the case that that has been enforced appropriately and that is something, at the Government level, we want to address.
“Part of the reason the Taoiseach has asked me to engage across Government on this issue is to look at the steps we can make to ensure that happens.”
All restricted dogs must be muzzled in public and kept on a short lead held by a person of at least 16 years of age.
Over €167,000 has been raised through a Go Fund Me for Alejandro and his family.
