Since 1995, my Department has made ex-gratia payments to a number of organisations directly involved in the delivery of animal care and welfare services. The Irish Seal Sanctuary has received funding in the past from my Department of the order of €10,000 in each of the years 2007 to 2011, amounting to total assistance of €50,000.
The Irish Seal Sanctuary did not submit an application for funding for 2014. Should funding be available in 2015, the organisation will be eligible to apply. Any application received will be considered in light of the resources available and having regard to competing claims for assistance submitted by other welfare bodies.