Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
800. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of funding provided to a society (details supplied) for inspection services relating to animal cruelty; the funding allocated for 2019; the number of inspectors this will provide for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45845/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has provided funding to organisations involved directly in protecting animal welfare and continues to support these organisations that provide a valuable service in the area of animal welfare. Applications for funding from animal welfare organisations are assessed by my Department and awards made on the basis of certain criteria, including the level and type of assistance provided by the organisation in the delivery of care and welfare services to animals and the level of funding raised by organisations from other sources to support welfare activities.
An advertisement was placed in the national press on 15th June 2018 inviting applications. These are currently being processed and an announcement on funding levels is expected in December. Organisations applying for funding must sign up to a strict set of guidelines, be in existence for two years or more, be registered with the Charities Regulator and provide detailed accounts. Organisations with income in excess of €100,000 must submit audited accounts. The manner in which any funding awarded to the society mentioned is used by the organisation for the protection of animal welfare is a matter for the directors of the group. My Department do not specify how the resources are used internally, therefore I cannot make comment how any future funding will be used.
The past funding to the group is available on my Departments website which can be accessed through the following link:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalwelfare/fundingtoanimalwelfareorganisations/
ISPCA funding
2015 €310,000
2016 €310,000
2017 €395,000
