Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022
418. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding streams that are available for persons who are looking after animals that are victims of animal cruelty; the criteria for eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28810/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that animal welfare is a high priority for my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to organisations involved in rescuing and rehoming animals. In December 2021, I provided record funding of €3.7million to 98 animal welfare bodies throughout the country.
The Programme for Government includes an undertaking to provide additional funding in support of animal welfare again this year, to which I am fully committed.
Each year my Department invites organisations to submit a funding application. To qualify they must meet criteria specificed in the application process, for example, a successful applicant will be registered with the Charities' Regulator, be in existence for at least two years, and provide supporting accounts. I will announce the opening of this year's application process shortly and details will be available on my Department's website. Grants to successful applicants will be awarded before year end.
