Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the fact that it is reported that he grant aids animal welfare to the amount of €1.1 million every year, if he is satisfied that there is value for money and that the various organisations are providing a service that is in keeping with funding from public moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39259/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not operate specific schemes of financial assistance for animal welfare groups: however since 1995 it has made ex-gratia payments to a number of organisations directly involved in the delivery of animal care and welfare services. The funding arrangements are kept under review on an annual basis.

In 2011 my Department awarded a total of €1.235million to 132 Animal Welfare Organisations. In conjunction with these awards, I introduced a new Code of Practice for welfare organisations which aims to promote sound welfare and management practices to assist organisations achieve high standards of animal welfare. This Code of Practice is available on my Department’s website at . In addition, financial statements have to be provided by grant applicants.

In this current economic climate these Welfare Organisations find it increasingly difficult to raise private funds for the very important work they are engaged in. My Department stresses that the funding is limited and is intended only as a contribution to the overall costs of the organisations.