asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the annual grant paid by his Department to the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals now represents less than one sixth of the annual cost of the services operated by the Society which relieve the Garda Síochána of duties which would otherwise fall on them; and if, having regard to the possibility that financial difficulties may oblige the society to discontinue the services hitherto performed for the Garda Síochána, he will now treble the grants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cruelty to Animals.
149.
I have already given this matter the fullest consideration in the light of representations which were made to me by the society. I regret to say, however, that, while I have every sympathy with the society in its present difficulties, I am unable, in present circumstances, to provide additional financial assistance either by way of increasing the amount of the annual grant from the Garda Síochána Vote or otherwise.
While appreciating the financial impoverishment of the Government, would the Minister not have regard to the fact that if this society did not out of its own limited resources for charitable reasons perform this function, we in Dublin would be presented with a very grave problem which, if left to grow, would embarrass the Minister into providing the money? Having regard to this would he not have another look at it or use his good offices with the Minister for Finance to get the necessary money?
I fully appreciate that the society are doing an excellent public work and a work that would have to be done by somebody, I do not know whether it would be me or the Dublin Corporation or who-haveyou, if they were not doing it. Nevertheless at the moment wherever my heart lies my mind must say no.
£1,000 would make a great difference to them.