126. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to introducing a targeted financial support or grant to assist older people and pensioners living alone with the cost of adopting a rescue animal, in view of the rising number of dogs being euthanised in local authority pounds and the recognised health and companionship benefits for older people at risk of social isolation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67352/26]

128. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to providing dedicated funding or support, whether through his Department's annual animal welfare grant programme or otherwise, to sustain and expand existing schemes that waive adoption fees for older people adopting a rescue animal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67357/26]

130. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to introducing a targeted financial support or grant to assist older people and pensioners living alone with the cost of adopting a rescue animal, in view of the rising number of dogs being euthanised in local authority pounds and the recognised health and companionship benefits for older people at risk of social isolation; and if the Minister will make a statement on the matter. [67369/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 128 and 130 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.  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.

My Department has no involvement in the day-to-day running of charities. It is therefore at the discretion of an organisation to deploy resources where they deem they can have the maximum impact with regard to any scheme’s provided and their financial situation.

My Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.

The dedicated e-mail address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are: Helpline Phone No:  01 607 2379.     Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.