Vol. 554 No. 5
1444 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will give grant assistance to the Cats Protection Association of Ireland under section 33 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986; the representations he has received in this regard in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15389/02]
In response to a number of representations received on behalf of the Cats Protection Association, my Department recently met a deputation from the association. My Department is not in a position to make a direct financial contribution to the association. However, where a local authority considers it appropriate it may assist a body which is endeavouring to reduce, in a humane manner, the problems caused by feral cats. A number of local authorities in the Dublin area have provided assistance to the Cats Protection Association in recent years.
My Department will soon write to local authorities suggesting that where the local authority calls on the services of animal welfare bodies to deal with feral cat problems the local authority should consider making a financial contribution towards the costs of providing such services.
