Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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866. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which animal health and welfare remains a priority for now and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42075/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals - this is underpinned by the programme for Government and a dedicated team of officials in my Department. My Department devotes considerable resources to protecting animal welfare and in dealing with breaches of animal welfare legislation when found.

My Department has recently restructured our Animal Health and Welfare Division into two separate divisions this will allow the new Welfare and Health Divisions to provide focus and resources on each of these equally important areas, taking a One Health, One Welfare approach to policy and implementation.

Animal health remains a cornerstone of my Department's work. For example, Animal Health Awareness Week took place just last month, featuring informative and interactive webinars, podcasts, and a cross-media campaign. As part of the week's programme, I launched the National Farmed Animal Biosecurity Strategy 2021-2024, focusing on disease prevention to ensure the health of our national herd and flock.

The new Animal Welfare Strategy is at an advanced stage and I will  be launching it shortly. This will be Ireland’s first, dedicated Animal Welfare Strategy and it will be backed by the resources and expertise within my Department, and my officials will cooperate with other Departments and Agencies, and with stakeholders and civil society in its implementation.

Control in respect of animal welfare is a matter that is also dealt with by a wide range of organisations.  In the case of  non-farmed animals, vital roles are played by An Gárda Síochána, Local Authorities and authorised officers of the ISPCA and DSPCA. These latter are among the recipients of substantial ex-gratia funding provided by my Department to underpin important work done by animal welfare organisations.

This work is further underpinned by the Animal Welfare Helpline which my Department operates, Lo-call  0761 064408 , along with a dedicated email address, AnimalWelfare@agriculture.gov.ie, which facilitates the reporting by members of the public of concerns in regard to the welfare of animals.  All calls received are treated in confidence. The animal welfare hotline exists for the reporting of specific incidents relating to animal welfare which come to the attention of members of the public, which they believe are in need of attention. All complaints received are investigated and followed up on.