The Irish government’s budget has allocated significant funds to animal agriculture and racing industries, intensifying concerns from the Vegan Society of Ireland from animal rights and environmental perspectives.

This budget has seen an overall allocation exceeding €2 billion to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for further exploitation of farmed animals and fishes — money that could have been ploughed into a just transition to a plant-based agricultural system for other animals, people and the environment.

We are appalled and disappointed to see that €99 million has been allocated to horse and greyhound racing. The Vegan Society of Ireland believes that the horse racing and greyhound industries should be defunded.

The Vegan Society of Ireland firmly believes that public money should not be used to fund industries that harm other animals or the environment.

Whilst we welcome the carbon tax revenues that will be used to support biodiversity measures for farmers, this is ambiguous budgetary messaging from the government, pumping funds into animal agriculture on the one hand and green washing with the other. It is concerning to witness continued and substantial financial support for animal agriculture and racing industries. These sectors not only contribute significantly to animal suffering but also to environmental degradation.

We advocate for a reallocation of these funds towards more sustainable and compassionate practices, such as plant-based agriculture and the promotion of ethical, cruelty-free industries. By shifting focus and investment towards plant-based solutions, Ireland can pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable and ethically sound future.