Ms Geraldine Larkin:

The consultation has been ongoing throughout the year. It has been a layered consultation with the various stakeholders. The announcement in the budget of the extra €1.2 million necessitates further consultation and further exchange based on the findings from earlier in the year.

With regard to the additional costs associated with microchipping and the requirements for vaccinations, Bord na gCon organised a number of clinics in 2014 and 2015 to facilitate dog owners who wished to have their greyhounds vaccinated and microchipped and ready for export. Those sessions were arranged to minimise costs for owners and breeders. There is recognition that the extra legislative requirements are putting costs onto the industry as a whole, not just on breeders.