Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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62. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he provided additional funding for the protection of animal welfare during recent cold weather. [8367/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides considerable levels of 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 me as Minister and for the Government, and that is reflected in the funding provided.

On the 7th December last year, I announced record funding of €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.

This funding is provided to these organisations to assist in the provision of all year round services and acknowledges the excellent work conducted by the charities, including during the challenging winter months.

Among other measures undertaken by my Department to support animal welfare is the continued operation of the Farmer and Animal Welfare Network (FAWN).

This multi-stakeholder group meets on a regional basis and facilitates early intervention in developing animal welfare situations, such as extreme weather events or other events which may have an impact on animal welfare.

In these cases, my Department in conjunction with stakeholders acts quickly and effectively to deal with any situation that is arising.