Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2022
226. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the information and concerns in documentation (details supplied); and if he will ensure that an independent investigation is launched into the concerns raised. [58275/22]
View answerOfficials in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is in receipt of the email in question.
Since significant sums of taxpayers' money are involved and to ensure good governance and a level playing field for all animal welfare organisations seeking public funding, all applications for financial support are administered through the annual programme, where the same rigorous criteria are applied in assessing each application.
Awards are made on the basis of objective criteria which are reviewed on an annual basis. These include the level and type of assistance provided by the organisation in the delivery of care and welfare services to animals.
The process involves thorough veterinary inspections of each premises involved to ensure compliance and suitability for funding.
The 2022 call for grant applications was launched in June and applications, including that from the named organisation, are now being evaluated by my officials. I will make an announcement on grants awarded next month.
