Animal welfare is a key priority for me, as Minister, and for the Government.
My Department was notified of a potential merger involving the organisations in question. However, my Department has no involvement in the day-to-day running of animal welfare charities. It is therefore at the discretion of an organisation to deploy resources where they deem they can have the maximum impact with regard to their financial situation.
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 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.
