Vol. 490 No. 6
21 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her Department has received an application for financial support from the Irish Seal Sanctuary in Garristown, County Dublin; if she will provide assistance in view of the important work done by the Sanctuary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10762/98]
The most recent application for funding from the Irish Seal Sanctuary was made to Dúchas the heritage service of my Department in September last. This is the latest in a series of applications made formally and informally over the years by the Irish Seal Sanctuary to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The Irish Seal Sanctuary is, I understand, primarily involved in the welfare, rescue and care of seals. While I acknowledge the commitment and work of the members of the Irish Seal Sanctuary, this is essentially a welfare matter, and my responsibilities for wildlife do not extend to animal welfare, which is a matter for the Department of Agriculture and Food.
