DAFM gave €5.9 million funding to animal welfare charities in 2024
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) provided €5,993,558 to animal welfare charities in 2024, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon.
Minister Heydon provided the information in response to a parliamentary question from Independent Ireland TD, Ken O'Flynn.
The minister explained that DAFM invites applications from animal welfare charities for annual funding.
He said: "This expenditure is subject to terms and conditions laid down in service level agreements with these bodies.
"In general, these bodies also require donations from members of the public to operate effectively."
DAFM also provides funding to a range of non-statutory bodies providing public services on a national basis.
Firstly, DAFM provided €836,824.92 in direct funding to Animal Health Ireland (AHI) in 2024. The company limited by guarantee, established to support more sustainable farming through improved animal health and welfare.
The department also provided €2,229,749 to Horse Sport Ireland.
Minister Heydon said: "Horse Sport Ireland is a company limited by guarantee, established to encourage the development of the Sport Horse Industry in Ireland.
"The company also receives fees for services provided to the sport horse sector," he added.
Finally, DAFM provided €7,509,239 in direct funding to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) in 2024.
The ICBF is a co-operative established to support the improvement of breeding in the livestock sector. Its shareholders include farmer, industry and breed association representatives. Funding is also provided to ICBF by other stakeholders.
In other news, DAFM is currently inviting tenders for the establishment of a valuation system for poultry species and systems.
The successful tenderer will be required to create and maintain valuation tables for poultry at various stages in their lifecycle in order to establish the market value of poultry in Ireland.
They will also provide the advice on poultry valuation and poultry-related issues to the department.
Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, the minister for agriculture may direct the destruction and disposal of animals, animal products, feed and other things in certain circumstances.
