Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

275. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking in response to the inspectorate team report from an organisation (details supplied) examining animal cruelty. [55168/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the statistics published on the ISPCA's website, which are a testament to the organisation's valuable work in the protection of welfare of animals throughout Ireland.

As the largest animal welfare organisation in the country, the ISPCA has always played an important role in protecting animal welfare nationally and has a long-standing, good relationship with my Department.

The ISPCA has a strong record in rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing animals and is to the forefront in educating and heightening public awareness on how best to care for animals.  

The ISPCA's authorised officers play a vital role in implementing the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to robust enforcement. 

Indeed, the ongoing co-operation between my Department, the ISPCA, local authorities, Customs and An Garda Síochána has contributed significantly in cases where animal welfare is compromised.

I would like to assure the Deputy that animal welfare is a high priority for my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to address the issue.

The Programme for Government  contains an undertaking to provide additional funding in support of animal welfare in the coming years to which I am fully committed. 

In recognition of the important role played by the many organisations safeguarding animals throughout the country,  in December 2020 I announced record funding of €3.2 million for 101 eligible animal welfare organisations. Of this, I was pleased to award €535,000 to the ISPCA, in addition to the contributions of €504,500 to the 19 affiliate organisations, bringing the total 2020 allocation to ISPCA and its affiliates to €1,039,500.  This exchequer funding helps the ISPCA to continue its excellent work countrywide.