Vol. 500 No. 7
239 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Government grant aids the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; if so, if it has a register of officers; and if this register will be made available. [5066/99]
While no specific scheme of financial assistance for welfare purposes is operated by my Department, financial aid of an ex gratia nature has been paid to a number of animal welfare bod ies including the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, DSPCA, each year-end since 1995.
I am unclear as to what the Deputy means by register of officers in the context of the provision of grant aid to the society. I am aware of the names of the patrons, honorary officers, members of the executive committee, etc., which are published in the society's annual report. The DSPCA personnel involved in operational matters are of course well known to my Department, with which they have frequent contact.
