Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2025
140. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that an organisation (details supplied) is in full compliance with the Charities Governance Code in relation to leadership succession and disclosure to funders; if full disclosure of all matters has been made to the stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50623/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an organisation (details supplied) notified his Department of the settlement of the legal case taken by its former CEO; if State funding was used to meet any part of the settlement; if legal matters are resolved when will the Regulator's report be published; and if all contingent liabilities have been disclosed in advance of the planned merger. [50624/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra142. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are other legal proceedings currently pending against an organisation (details supplied); and if he will confirm that stakeholders have been fully informed of such proceedings prior to the merger. [50625/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No 140, 141 and 142 together.
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. The applications process is robust and comprehensive. Applicants provide information on their activities, including reporting specific data and metrics requested as part of the process. Details in relation to the applicants performance in the care, welfare and rehoming of animals for the previous year are required and taken into account as part of the assessment.
As with all applicants, the organisation in question was also subject to veterinary inspections, which are carried out in the context of the grants application process. These awards align with government policy and the goals set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, Working Together for Animal Welfare, which was published in 2021.
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).
Grants are paid under the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) Circular 13 of 2014. Charities with an income of over €100,000 must submit audited accounts and these accounts must be signed and dated by the auditor. All applicants including the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) must adhere to the terms and conditions of the Animal Welfare Grants application process. I am satisfied that funding provided, to the organisation in question, under the Animal Welfare Grants programme was dispersed in accordance with the programme's terms and conditions. Queries in relation to legal settlement payments should be directed to the organisation in question or the charities regulator.
My Department has no involvement in the day-to-day running of these charities, including the organisation in question, it is therefore at the discretion of the ISPCA to enact policy and deploy resources where they deem can have the maximum impact with regard to their financial situation.
My Department currently has no outstanding legal proceedings in relation to the organisation in question and the Deputy should contact the Charities regulator in relation to reports produced by this body.
