Dick Spring
Question:125 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Finance when his Department will approve the agreed capital funding to enable work to commence on the Irish Seal Sanctuary. [24652/01]
Written Answers. - Irish Seal Sanctuary.
My Department does not provide funding directly to any organisations such as the Irish Seal Sanctuary. While the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands has primary responsibility for dealing with wildlife, I understand that they see their responsibility as conservation of wildlife. I am informed that as the work of the Irish Seal Sanctuary does not impact significantly on overall seal numbers and is primarily of a welfare nature, involving the rehabilitation of individual seals, it does not come within that remit.
I am aware that submissions for grant aid have been made by the Irish Seal Sanctuary on a number of occasions. At present the various pre-budget submissions are being considered; it is not the practice to divulge any of the detailed content of the budget in advance. Hence it is not possible to give specific commitments on the provision of funding for any particular organisation prior to budget day.
I can assure the Deputy that I have noted the case made on behalf of the Irish Seal Sanctuary and it will be considered along with the many other pre-budget requests I have received.