asked the Minister for Justice when he proposes to increase the £2,000 subvention to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to a realistic figure, in view of the work done by this group and the cost of running the Dogs' Home at £16,000 per annum.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ISPCA Subvention.
39.
(Cavan): The annual grant paid from the Garda Síochána Vote to the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was increased from £1,000 to £2,000 as from 1st April, 1973. I am not considering a further increase but I should like to draw the attention of the Deputy to two amendments that have been put down by the Minister for Local Government for the Committee Stage of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill, 1973. One amendment proposes to extend the powers of planning authorities to enable them to assist, in money or kind or by the provision of services or facilities, a body or person providing homes or shelters for stray or unwanted dogs and cats. The second amendment proposes to empower planning authorities to provide and manage buildings or structures for the purpose of providing such homes or shelters.
Would the Minister not consider that the Minister for Justice has an obligation to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to give them an extra subvention in view of the quite derisory sum which they receive annually? This society have been doing very good work, as I am sure the Minister is aware.
(Cavan): It was increased by 100 per cent in 1973 and, as I have pointed out, the Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill provides other ways and means of helping such bodies who are doing this work. Perhaps the Deputy might avail of a discussion on the amendments to elaborate on the matter if he wishes.
That is not the point. The Minister is deliberately missing the point of the question and is misleading the House.
(Cavan): That is not so.