Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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306. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he remains satisfied that strict animal welfare provisions apply throughout the country, including at horse abattoirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30871/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Ireland’s Programme for Government includes a commitment to improve animal welfare standards and promote responsible pet ownership.

The welfare of animals is protected by legislation and appropriate enforcement action is taken where breaches or shortcomings are identified. All reports of welfare issues received by my Department, including breaches of the animal welfare legislation, are acted upon and investigated, with 162 Animal Welfare prosecutions, under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, to date. Recently, I took the action of suspending the approval of a licensed slaughter house, where violations were reported.

In December 2023, my Department announced record funding of €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide, through the animal welfare grant programme, these awards also support the provision of education and knowledge sharing to the public on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

My Department also supports urban horse projects, spending a total of €1,860,000, since 2015, with a budget of €350,000 allocated for 2024, for these projects. At present there are 8 live projects nationwide, which encourage good care and welfare of horses.

In accordance with Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, "Working Together for Animal Welfare", the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare (ACCAW) was established in November 2021, comprising of independent members with a range of expertise and experience. ACCAW advises my department on policy matters and where appropriate, issue guidelines and recommendations in relation to companion animals.

My Department also operates a confidential Animal Welfare helpline service, to allow the reporting of any cases of suspected abuse or neglect, which can be contacted, in confidence, on: Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379

Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie