Independent TD, Michael McNamara, has queried the State’s spending of €808,000 on accommodation and transport for pets from Ukraine, and asked what international or European law obliges such measures.
The Clare TD asked an Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, in the Dáil if he stood over the spend, and what could be done about it.
The Government has spent over €800,000 on Ukrainian pets brought to Ireland. I asked why. pic.twitter.com/yiro7X8X9q
— Michael McNamara TD (@MlMcNamaraTD) February 13, 2024
In a circular seen by the Irish Mirror, it was reported that the outlay was understood to have ‘stretched resources’.
A contract worth €248,200 was awarded to a company in Wexford in August 2022 for the provision of kennelling facilities for dogs and other companion animals coming from Ukraine.
A further €559,932 has also been spent on accommodation, transport, veterinary bills and other costs relating to the pets of Ukrainian refugees who have brought animals with them to Ireland.
The total outlay of €808,132 is understood to have stretched resources in light of unexpected demand, and led to a change in policy.
Deputy McNamara told the Dáil that “the Government has consistently reiterated Ireland’s legal obligations under international and European law to asylum seekers and those fleeing persecution. Indeed, we have an obligation under the temporary protection directive to accommodate persons from Ukraine.”
“However, it emerged last week that €808,000 was spent on pets from Ukraine in the State with a contract for €248,000 for accommodation and almost €500,000 for transport,” he said.
“The Department of Agriculture sought tenders for the transportation of pets from Ukraine from point of arrival in the State where they would be accommodated while being in quarantine, I presume,” he asked.
“I have had a look and I do not see it. Can the Taoiseach point me to anywhere in international or European law where there is an obligation to accommodate or transport pets – not people but their pets? If not, does he stand over that spending? What can be done about it?,” he said.
In response, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was not aware of the amount spent.
“I am not aware of that but I will certainly make inquiries. It has not been brought to my attention to date,” he told Deputy McNamara.