Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
461. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether there is sufficient funding available to support animal welfare charities across the country on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29446/26]
View answer462. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the merits of putting in place multiannual funding for animal welfare charities to allow for longer term plans and projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29447/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 461 and 462 together.
Animal welfare is a key priority for my Department and considerable funding is provided to support eligible animal welfare charities nationwide, through the annual Animal Welfare Grant Programme, which is administered by my Department.
I recently launched the 2026 animal welfare grant programme process and animal welfare charities that meet eligibility criteria are invited to submit applications for funding before 28th April. The current Programme for Government provides a commitment to increase funding. In December 2025, I provided funding of almost €6.5 million to 94 animal welfare charities throughout the country. This figure represents the highest allocation of funding awarded under the Animal Welfare Grants.
A decision on the level of funding provided for welfare organisations will be made later in the year. I have no plans at present to introduce multi annual funding allocations.
