Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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485. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if additional funding will be made available in Budget 2026 for animal welfare charities given the very challenging circumstances at present and the unprecedented number of abandoned and surrendered animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53174/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Animal welfare is a key priority for me as Minister and for the Government.

I would like to acknowledge the important work carried out, often in very challenging circumstances, by animal welfare organisations and their dedicated volunteers and staff across Ireland. Animal welfare charities play a crucial role in helping animals in need, educating people, and raising public awareness about improving animal welfare.

Each year my Department invites eligible animal welfare charities to submit a funding application through the Animal Welfare grants programme. To qualify, applicants must meet specified requirements, which are made available through the application process, with awards made on the basis of objective criteria which are reviewed on an annual basis.

Last year €6 million of funding was provided 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.

The 2025 Animal Welfare grants process is underway, with applications currently under assessment by my Department and I expect to announce the results of the application process in December.