Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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229. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether the animal welfare grant is adequate in light of increased demands on animal welfare organisations; if his attention has been drawn to reports that one such organisation (details supplied) that received €48,500 towards its costs for 2022, has paid €147,000 in veterinary bills to date in 2022, with a bill of €55,000 remaining; if a review of ascertaining and addressing need is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58325/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and the Government. We provide considerable funding is provided to support animal welfare charity organisations.

In December 2021, I awarded record funding of €3.7 million to 98 animal welfare charities throughout the country, through the Animal Welfare Grant Programme. This is evidence of my own and the Government’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare and acknowledges and supports the important role played by animal welfare organisations.

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

Awards are made on the basis of objective criteria which are reviewed on an annual basis. These include the level and type of assistance provided by the organisation in the delivery of care and welfare services to animals and the level of funding raised by organisations from other sources to support welfare activities.

As with last year’s awards, this year’s funding will recognise the importance of education and dissemination of knowledge to improve animal welfare. Imparting knowledge on animal welfare plays a crucial role in improving standards nationally.

For example, raising awareness on responsible pet ownership can help to prevent dogs subsequently being surrendered to charities for rehoming.

I note that this organisation is mainly involved with the care and rehoming of greyhounds. My Department provides dedicated financial support under the Horse & Greyhound Fund to Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ), the statutory body responsible for the operation and regulation of the greyhound industry. Private greyhound re-homing organisations in Ireland may, through RCÉ’s registered charity the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust, seek assistance towards costs incurred in the preparation of greyhounds for re-homing.

I urge the organisation in question to avail of this funding opportunity also.