My Department does not operate any specific schemes of financial assistance for animal welfare bodies. In recent years however I have made ex gratia funding available to a number of appropriate bodies involved in the direct delivery of animal care and welfare services throughout the country having regard to moneys available to me from within the Department's vote at end-year. In December 2003 grants totalling €850,000 were awarded to 80 organisations to assist them in their activities in 2004. A copy of the press release which details the organisations that received funding is attached.
The organisations concerned had approached the Department during 2003 seeking financial assistance. My Department has no record of the North Wexford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals having made such an approach.
I note all requests received and at the appropriate time will consider any request received from the North Wexford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, having regard to the availability of funding and to any competing claims for grant assistance submitted by other animal welfare bodies.