Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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418. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding streams that are available for persons who are looking after animals that are victims of animal cruelty; the criteria for eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28810/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that animal welfare is a high priority for my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to organisations involved in rescuing and rehoming animals.In December 2021, I provided record funding of €3.7million to 98 animal welfare bodies throughout the country.

The Programme for Government includes an undertaking to provide additional funding in support of  animal welfare again this year, to which I am fully committed. 

Each year my Department invites organisations to submit a funding application. To qualify they must meet criteria specificed in the application process, for example, a successful applicant will be registered with the Charities' Regulator, be in existence for at least two years, and provide supporting accounts. I will announce the opening of this year's application process shortly and details will be available on my Department's website. Grants to successful applicants will be awarded before year end.