Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
779. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects to announce the 2022 ex-gratia grants for animal charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49531/22]
View answerAnimal welfare is a high priority for my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to organisations involved in rescuing and rehoming animals.
In December 2021, I provided record funding of €3.7million to 98 animal welfare bodies throughout the country. This funding was provided to these organizations for the direct provision of care for animals throughout 2022.
This funding for animal welfare organisations was evidence of my own and the Government’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare and acknowledges the important role played by animal welfare organisations. These organisations play a crucial role in ensuring all our animals are cared for and protected.
The Programme for Government includes an undertaking to provide additional funding in support of animal welfare again this year, to which I am fully committed.
The call for grant applications for this year's awards was launched in June this year and applications received are now being evaluated by my officials. I expect to announce these awards in December 2022.
