asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the financial difficulties facing the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in the carrying on of their humane work; and if having regard to the public service rendered by the Society in dealing with the problem of stray, sick and injured animals in Dublin city, he will take steps to increase the grant-in-aid to the Society.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
41.
While I am aware of the valuable service given by the Society in the general field of animal welfare, the grant paid by my Department is paid solely in recognition of the fact that the provision made by the Society for the care of dogs means that the Garda Síochána are relieved of a duty that would otherwise fall on them, at all events as long as the law remains as it is.
The different calls on the finances available to my Department will be examined by me in due course.
Can the Minister say how much is paid by his Department annually?
I think it is £1,000 a year.
Is the Minister aware that in Belfast the corresponding society receive a grant of £3,000 a year? Having regard to that, would the Minister seriously consider trebling the sum in Dublin?
Is it from Belfast Corporation they are receiving that sum?
I am not certain of the source, but they receive £3,000.
My experience in other cities has been that dog catchers have always been appointed by the corporation.
Is the Minister aware that Dublin Corporation are paying the maximum the law permits and that the Minister's colleague on his right has not enabled Dublin Corporation to amend the law in order to pay a larger sum?
I am not so aware.
Will the Minister have a word with his colleague? The Society have had their rateable valuation almost doubled this year by the Minister for Finance, putting them in even greater financial stringency.