Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was not sure the circus issue would arise. I do not have a strong view on this, but I will think about it now that the Deputy has raised it. I understood the Deputy was asking about the assistance we are giving the Irish Seal Sanctuary from a funding point of view.

The Irish Seal Sanctuary has received funding in the past from the Department of the order of €10,000 in each of the years from 2007 to 2011, amounting to a total of €50,000. The Irish Seal Sanctuary did not submit an application for funding in 2012 from the ex gratia funding available for animal welfare organisations. We have significantly increased that funding by approximately 50% in the last two years. I would like to be of assistance to the Irish Seal Sanctuary, if I can be, but it must write to me and explain exactly what it needs.

The issue raised by the Deputy of whether seals should be circus animals is a separate matter. Clearly, I am anxious to be helpful in terms of the functioning of the Irish Seal Sanctuary and the role it plays for our seal population from a welfare point of view, including with funding. However, it must apply, as other organisations do, for ex gratia payments or assistance, or at least talk to me if there is an issue on which I can be helpful. I will certainly try to be helpful.

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