Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2025
146. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will request that the charities regulator publish the report in full before the merger (details supplied) formally proceeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50629/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department commissioned, or reviewed, independent due-diligence reports on an organisation (details supplied) before supporting the merger; if he will publish that assessment; if any other governance or management issues emerged from August 2024 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50630/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the disclosure of liabilities, governance issues, and regulator findings provided by an organisation to an organisation’s stakeholders (details supplied) in advance of the merger agreement; and if his Department is satisfied that all stakeholders had a clear and transparent picture before the merger was signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50631/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAnimal 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) and €32,400 to ISPCA Donegal.
My Department has no involvement in the day-to-day running of these charities. 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.
The Deputy should contact the Charities Regulator in relation to reports produced by this body.
