Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 October 2023
218. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration is being given to the increased cost of running animal welfare and animal rescue organisations as preparations are made to allocate animal welfare grants to various organisations; if increases in funding in line with the additional costs incurred by these organisations are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45565/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and the Government. Considerable funding is provided to support animal welfare charity organisations.
In December 2022, I announced the record allocation of over €5.8 million in funding to 99 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grant Programme. This marks the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department.
The figure awarded represents a very significant increase on previous years and greatly exceed the Programme for Government Commitment to double funding available to these organisations from the 2020 budget of €2.4 million.
This year's awards, which I intend to announce in December, will be allocated in line with financial resources available and strategic policy for the animal welfare sector.
