Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been questioned about authorities spending of over €800,000 on transport and lodging for the pets of Ukrainian refugees, as completely reported by the Irish Mirror final week.
Details of the unique report had been put to Mr Varadkar within the Dáil yesterday by Clare TD Michael McNamara, who requested if the Taoiseach stands over the expenditure of €808,000 on animals arriving from Ukraine.
The outlay included €248,200 for the supply of kennelling amenities for dogs and different companion animals belonging to asylum seekers who travelled to Ireland from the Eastern European nation.
An additional €559,932 has been spent on lodging, transport, veterinary payments and different prices regarding Ukrainian pets because the outbreak of the battle in February 2022.
“Your government has consistently reiterated Ireland’s legal obligations under both international law and European law to asylum seekers and those fleeing persecution,” Mr McNamara advised the Taoiseach.
READ MORE: Government has spent over €800,000 on pets delivered to Ireland by Ukrainian refugees
“However, it emerged last week that €808,000 was spent on pets from Ukraine in this state – a contract for €248,000 for accommodation, almost €500,000 for transport,” he continued.
The unbiased TD, who can also be a barrister, referred to the Irish Mirror report and outlined additional particulars of the spending by the Department of Agriculture.
“Now, Taoiseach, I don’t know,” he stated. “I’ve had a glance and I don’t see it, however are you able to level me to anyplace in worldwide regulation or European regulation the place there’s an obligation to accommodate or transport pets – not individuals, however their pets?
“If not, Taoiseach, do you stand over that spending or what will be done about it?”
In his response, Mr Varadkar stated he was unaware of the spending however undertook to make enquiries.
It’s understood that the massive outlay on pets arriving from Ukraine has led to a change in coverage and lodging is now not being offered for animals owned by newly-arriving refugees.
Those already in state-funded lodging are additionally prohibited from buying new pets and Ukrainian pet house owners have been suggested that the animals’ maintenance “will no longer be paid for by the state”.
A round from the division, seen by the Irish Mirror, defined the choice by reference to a restricted availability of pet-friendly lodging and cited points with “animal excreta in living environments”.
The coverage gives for an exception in respect of service animals, akin to information dogs and autism-assistance dogs.
“People arriving in Ireland with pets from Ukraine are being asked to find alternative accommodation for them, such as with charities like the ISPCA,” it reads.
In May 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine sought tenders for a contract with an estimated worth of €5 million for the transportation of Ukrainian pets from their level of entry to lodging amenities.
However, a spokesman advised the Irish Mirror that no functions had been obtained in respect of this tender.
A separate public procurement course of for kennels to accommodate Ukrainian pets throughout isolation durations obtained one tender, ensuing within the award of a €248,200 contract to Pets First Limited in Co Wexford.
“Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, [the department] has spent €808,131.51 on measures supporting Ukrainian pets,” stated the spokesman.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking information service on WhatsApp. Click this link to obtain breaking information and the latest headlines direct to your cellphone. We additionally deal with our neighborhood members to particular affords, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions. If you don’t like our neighborhood, you’ll be able to take a look at any time you want. If you’re curious, you’ll be able to learn our Privacy Notice.
