Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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404. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will appoint an animal welfare inspector for Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28765/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Currently there are 16 staff, from my Department, based in Limerick who are authorised officers under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013

An Garda Síochána are also authorised officers under the Act, as are specified officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Rasaíoct Con Eireann, the Irish Horse Racing Board and customs officials.

Local Authorities also have the powers to appoint authorised officers under the Act.

A feature of the enforcement of the Act is that my Department can appoint authorised officers from welfare organisations with which my Department has service level agreements, to work alongside officials of my Department, An Garda Síochána and the Local Authority on certain enforcement matters, resulting in a very effective and efficient use of resources. It is at the discretion of welfare organisations to deploy said officers to where they decide they can achieve maximum impact.