Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 April 2021
174. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is on track to double the ex-gratia funding for animal welfare organisations by 2022; the initial figure on which the proposed doubling of funding is based; when the review of the support system for animal welfare organisations will be finished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22536/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra176. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the review of the support system for animal welfare organisations will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22538/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 176 together.
The Programme for Government commitment to double the funding allocated to animal welfare organisations was based on the 2020 budget allocation of €2.435m. Savings elsewhere in the Department's vote contributed to the the eventual awarding of €3.2 million to 101 organisations in 2020. A doubling of funding by 2022 would be on the basis of the initial budget allocation and based on my Department's policy objectives and financial resources available.
The Department is close to finalising a review of our support system for animal welfare charities to ensure, in the context of increased funding levels, that the appropriate governance arrangements are in place to ensure continued alignment with animal welfare policies objectives and priorities. The level of funding available and the disbursement method for 2021 will be determined following this review and in advance of a call for applications from welfare charities for 2021 funding.
