As I indicated in the Dáil on 18 November, I am aware of the very valuable work which the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does in relation to the welfare of animals generally in the Dublin area. The society is of course a voluntary organisation and any assistance which my Department may provide from time to time supplements the funding which the society raises from other sources. Grants totalling £100,000 have already been made to the society by my Department since September 1995 to assist its operations. I will consider providing further financial assistance to the society if available resources permit.