Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1559. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken since taking office to combat animal cruelty and improve animal welfare. [13047/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. This Act provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare

My Department keeps the Act under review given developments in the area of animal welfare and the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.

Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner. My Department continues to enforce the law in this important area as does An Garda Síochána, the Customs service, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which have authorised officers under the Act.

My Department also takes a preventive approach to alleviate welfare concerns for both animals and their owners. In addition to continued enforcement of the law, in line with the 'One Health, One Welfare' ethos, my Department is committed to a policy of education and awareness-building in order to prevent animal welfare issues arising. Significant animal welfare related measures have been advanced within the scope of our national Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, Working Together for Animal Welfarewhich I launched in February 2021. The Strategy is backed by resources and expertise within the Department and involves dialogue and cooperation with other Government Departments and agencies, with stakeholders and with civil society.

In December 2022, I announced the record allocation of over €5.8 million in funding to 99 animal welfare charities throughout the country, under the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. This therefore achieved and actually exceeded the commitment in the Programme for Government to double the funding allocated within two years. This marks the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department. The importance of education and dissemination of knowledge to improve animal welfare, was an important criteria of this funding. Imparting knowledge on animal welfare plays a crucial role in improving standards nationally and can raise awareness on responsible animal ownership.