Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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321. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to establish a dedicated authority, separate from his Department to oversee animal welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45551/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government places a positive emphasis on animal welfare and specifically commits to the continued robust enforcement of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, which provides a modern framework for regulating and applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare.

My Department has lead policy responsibility within government for animal welfare and takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously. Neglect of or causing unnecessary suffering to animals is not acceptable in our society. I am committed to the policy that animal welfare standards are vigorously applied in a fair and even-handed manner.

My Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified. My Department keeps the Act under review in light of key developments in the areas of animal welfare, the law and having regard to the practical lessons learnt from operating the Act.

In 2021, I launched the Animal Welfare Strategy (2021-2025), which created a framework for engagement and collaboration with stakeholders to improve animal welfare, as well as establishing a dedicated Animal Welfare Division.

In December 2023, I 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, helping to raise animal welfare standards.

My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline and e-mail address through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.

I am satisfied that these measures provide a comprehensive framework and sufficient safeguards to ensure the welfare of animals and I have no plans to set up any other authority.