A 23-year-old woman has died in a dog attack at a house in southwest Ireland.

Emergency services were called to the incident in Ballyneety, County Limerick, at around 11.40pm on Tuesday.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been taken to University Hospital Limerick for a post-mortem.

The dog involved was put down and several others have been seized.

A minister who recently set up a group to examine dog control said she was “appalled by the news” and was “committed” to making laws stronger.

Rural minister Heather Humphreys said: “I want to begin by expressing my deepest sympathies to her family in what is a deeply shocking incident.

“A Garda investigation is under way and it’s important we establish the facts on what happened.

“I have consistently said that more action is required in relation to dog control.

“That’s why I have set up a cross-governmental stakeholder group, chaired by the retired deputy Garda commissioner John Twomey, to examine this whole area.”

She added: “I have asked the group to examine the restricted breeds list, in line with actions being taken in the UK and Northern Ireland.

“I am committed to working with colleagues across government in taking whatever action is necessary to strengthen our dog control laws.”

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There are several restricted breeds in Ireland, including German shepherds, rottweilers and various bull terriers, as well as some crosses.

Restricted dogs must be kept collared with their owner’s information on a tag, muzzled in public and on a short, strong lead with someone over the age of 16 who is able to control them.

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