Departmental Data

Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Ceisteanna (139)

Robert O'Donoghue

Ceist:

139. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department was officially notified of the person who is currently serving as acting Chief Executive Officer or head of an organisation (details supplied) since the departure of its previous CEO; the person charged with safeguarding State funding following the sudden departure of yet another CEO; the persons who represented the stakeholders interests during merger negotiations; if he will publish the notification and any related correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50622/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Martin Heydon)

Animal welfare is a key priority for me, as Minister, and for the Government. The Animal Welfare Grants Programme provides considerable support for animal welfare charities to assist them in their vital work in rescuing and rehoming animals. In November 2024, funding of almost €6 million was provided to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide including an award of €931,750 to the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).

My Department has no involvement in the day-to-day running of these charities, including the organisation in question, however, my Department was advised that an acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was put in place, following the departure of the previous CEO, in November 2024.

Negotiations in relation to the merger of the two organisations is a matter for the respective boards. Responsibility for the governance of charities lies with the Charities Regulator.