Vol. 474 No. 1
180 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if funding has been provided by him to any animal welfare group during the course of the current Government; if so, the amount granted; when it was paid; and to whom it was paid. [2481/97]
In December 1996 I made grants of £50,000 each to the Blue Cross Animal Welfare Society and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I also made a grant of £50,000 to the DSPCA in September 1995. These grants will enable both organisations to continue the important work which they undertake in relation to the welfare and care of animals. The grants to DSPCA recognise the value of the service it provides in the Dublin area, often in difficult circumstances, while the grant to the Blue Cross marks the centenary of the organisation which was established in England in 1897.
