Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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766. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the basis, criteria and rationale for the disbursement of funds to animal welfare organisations; the reason there is a disparity in the amounts received between different organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15011/23]

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

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 Grant Programme. This marks the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by my Department.

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. Throughput of animals and rehoming figures are assessed along with veterinary inspection of the premises.

An important element, including in the most recent year’s funding, recognises the critical role 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 abandoned or surrendered to charities for rehoming, thus helping to reduce the pressure dog shelters and charities may come under.