Mr. Pat Herbert:

The information that is published is the greyhound’s name, earmark, owner and trainer, as well as what prohibited substance was detected and where it was taken. There are specific regulations in force providing that, in all cases where a person has contravened or has been found not to have contravened regulations, the details will be published by the independent control committee. Those regulations have been in effect since October 2015.

The number of litters is provided for in recent legislation. The Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 provides that any owner or breeder can have six litters and is entitled to a further two litters but only on supply of a veterinary certificate to ensure the health of the bitch and that the bitch is capable of breeding. Any number after that is prohibited. The Deputy will be aware that such registrations take place with the Irish Coursing Club and not with the Irish Greyhound Board. Several breeding establishments are licensed by the Irish Coursing Club.

The board has a close working relationship with the ISPCA. Its chief inspector, Conor Dowling, who attended the committee last week, and our welfare officer work closely together on a daily basis. The board does not have any difficulty in affording welfare powers to the Garda, to local authority inspectors or to welfare officers of the ISPCA.