Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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333. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the next generation EU funds will be allocated under pillar II of CAP for 2021, by line of expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4711/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Transitional Regulation lays down the provisions for support of the Rural Development Programme for the years 2021 and 2022. It also incorporates the European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI) funding for 2021 and 2022, of which €190m is allocated to Ireland (€56m in 2021 and €134m in 2022).

The Transitional Regulation also sets out the broad parameters around how this funding can be utilised. The funding must contribute to the green and digital recovery and maintain the current level of environmental ambition set out in the Rural Development Programme.

The EU Recovery Instrument, which is broader than just the agriculture element, has not yet been adopted by the EU, so we must await the details before progressing.

Therefore, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a line-by-line statement of expenditure for the EURI funding at this stage. However, I will be consulting with stakeholders to hear their views on how we can best utilise this funding in order to address the climate and environmental challenges that we face.

Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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334. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of fines and prosecutions made under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 by county in each of the years 2018 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4718/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6th March 2014.

Prosecutions are only one aspect of my Department's activities aimed at ensuring animal welfare, and in many cases, prosecution is the last resort. Officials of my Department, in collaboration with local authorities, Garda Síochána and/or animal welfare charities work to address and resolve welfare issues before moving to prosecution.

Offences under the Act may be prosecuted in the District Court by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, local authorities and members of An Garda Síochána. Matters tried on indictment are the remit of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the normal manner. Accordingly, the statistics set down below relate to cases prosecuted and fines issued at the suit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Prosecutions under the Act can be pursued following investigations by authorised officers of the Department, An Garda Síochána and authorised officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These officers investigate matters relating to animal cruelty and neglect and, where the evidence supports such action, a file prepared and the matter pursued through the Courts.