Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
930. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding provided to animal welfare and rescue organisations by organisation in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5236/21]
View answerAnimal welfare is a high priority for my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to address the issue. In December 2020, I provided record funding of €3.2 million to 101 animal welfare bodies throughout the country.
Earlier this week, I launched the first over-arching national Animal Welfare Strategy for Ireland. This provides a framework under which all animal welfare matters can be consider for the future. It is underpinned by five guiding principles: working in partnership; science and evidence-led policy making; improving education and knowledge; consistent evaluation and assessment and an effective regulatory system.
In addition to supporting these welfare organisations, my Department and other regulatory agencies carry out a series of animal welfare inspections on farm and at other locations where animals are kept. Among other measures undertaken by my Department to support animal welfare is the the continued operation of the Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council's Early Warning System. This multi-stakeholder group meets on a regional basis and facilitates early intervention in developing animal welfare comprising situations, due to weather or other events which may have an impact on animal welfare. In these cases, my Department acts quickly and effectively to deal with any situation that is arising.
The Programme for Government includes an undertaking to increase the funding available to animal welfare organisations over the coming years. I would like to assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to this undertaking.
The attached table contains a breakdown of funding provided from 2016 - 2020:
