Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
56. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on his Department’s programme for Government commitments in relation to animal welfare; if he will provide an overview of the progress made to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55297/23]
View answerSignificant progress has been made in progressing animal welfare commitments under the Programme for Government 2020.
The commitment to double grant funding to animal welfare charities has been met and exceeded. Last week, I announced record funding of almost €6 million to 101 charities nationwide.
The number of urban horse projects continues to grow, with an additional programme introduced in Mayo. Indeed, in October, officials in my Department hosted a dedicated Urban Horse Projects Seminar for local authorities and a broad range of stakeholders to encourage greater participation in these projects.
My Department has taken the lead on establishing an inter-departmental group on exotic animals to ensure a coherent national approach to policy and regulation. This group is progressing well and met again last month to continue their deliberations.
Promotion of responsible pet ownership is high on my Department's agenda. As committed to in my Department's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, my Department established the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare which advises me on initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership in Ireland. In 2024, my Department, in conjunction with Department of Rural and Community Affairs, will undertake a national campaign to promote responsible pet ownership in Ireland.
Finally, in upholding the EU Pigs Directive, officials in my Department continue to conduct inspections on a large scale. Implementation of the Pig Welfare Intact Tails Inspection Programme is ongoing. Teagasc has also developed a new facility in Moorepark with the aim of rearing pigs with long tails, reducing emissions and increasing pig welfare.
I am satisfied that the animal welfare commitments contained in the Programme for Government are being successfully delivered by my Department.
