Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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26. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will be allocating additional funding through the Animal Welfare Grant Programme to animal welfare charities given the unprecedented number of surrenders they are dealing with at present, in addition to the increased cost of running animal welfare and animal rescue organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55296/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government.

Since taking office I have provided more support for animal welfare charity organisations then ever before. On the 7^thof December, I announced funding of almost €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide, through the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. This is 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. The awards align with the goals set out in my Department's animal welfare strategy, which I published in 2021.

This year, there is an additional focus on supporting charities involved in rehoming dogs. I recognise that 2023 has been a particularly challenging year in terms of dog welfare and for those working to rescue, protect and rehome dogs. The grants reflect this and will enable these organisations to continue to deliver on the rescue and rehoming of dogs throughout 2024.

In addition, again this year, the awards also supported the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Raising public awareness on responsible pet ownership and highlighting the many challenges and responsibilities that come with owning a pet will help reduce the number of animals being surrendered.

Finally, I’d like to acknowledge the important work carried out, often in very challenging circumstances, by animal welfare organisations and their dedicated volunteers and staff across Ireland. Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness about improving animal welfare. The grants provided will support Animal Welfare charities with their dedicated work throughout 2024.