Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

256. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to advise of any possible funding to complete the set-up of a facility (details supplied) where it is intended to educate on animal care and welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4784/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On behalf of my colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine I can advise that this Department provides funding each year through the Animal Welfare Grants Programme to registered animal welfare charities for the care and welfare of animals. Animal welfare remains a key priority for the Minister and for the Government, and considerable funding is provided to support these organisations.

On the 7th December last year, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine announced record funding of €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide through the Programme. This is the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by the Department.

I have also been advised that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine would be happy to consider an application from the organisation in question for funding within the parameters and criteria set out in the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. The Programme is open to all animal welfare organisations engaged in the care and welfare of animals, who are registered with the Charities Regulator and which have been in existence for more than two years.

The application process for the Animal Welfare Grants Programme for 2024 will open later this year.