Written answers
Tuesday, 30 January 2024
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Animal Welfare
Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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446. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Department will provide additional funding for organisations that provide out-of-hours services for animal welfare; if there are any plans to train gardaí, customs officers, etc. on animal welfare practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4145/24]
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and for the Government. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society and considerable funding is provided to support animal welfare charity organisations.
In December 2023, I announced the record allocation of €6 million in funding to 101 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. The 2024 grants programme will open for applications later this year.
All members of An Garda Siochana and the Customs Service are authorised officers under the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act. Questions regarding training for Gardai and Customs Officers should be directed to those organisations.
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