Mr. Gerard Dollard:

I will respond first to Deputy Cahill's questions. On traceability, we expect that either today or tomorrow we will publish in the EU Journala tender for the new traceability system. On care centres, as Mr. Nyhan mentioned in his opening statement, we are in a tender process and we would expect to make decisions before year end, following which we will work out the contracts with those who are successful such that we can have the centres up and running as early as possible in 2020. On how many will fall out of the process in terms of the number of greyhounds accommodated at each centre, at the initial stage we would anticipate a maximum of 50 being accommodated. As management processes and the success of the centres become embedded, we will consider extending the accommodation numbers. On fostering, in July this year we launched additional financial incentives for people who will foster greyhounds.

We are happy with the take-up to date. As was mentioned, 51 are in foster homes and a number of new fosterers have come on stream.

Regarding welfare and the confidential line, the three other cases that refer to other bodies relate to local authorities. I think one case went to the Irish Coursing Club. At the end of the day, it is the authority most appropriate for prosecution that will take the prosecution if it arises. No serious welfare issue has been identified in the cases that have come forward to date. That gives an indication of the very positive welfare approach by the greyhound community. There is an open confidential line, yet we have not received any serious welfare complaints at this point.

I know the export of greyhounds has been the subject of wide discussion when the Greyhound Racing Act was going through the Oireachtas. The bottom line is that the export of greyhounds needs to be dealt with at EU level or in wider world trade agreements. Animal welfare is not a consideration in respect of trade. Until that changes at either EU or world trade agreement level, it will be very difficult for Ireland to control exports of any animal, including greyhounds.

The Chairman dealt with the issue of veterinary comments on the RTÉ programme. With regard to doping and breaches, we have had 13 cases this year which is fewer than we had last year or the year before. Our level of testing this year will be greater than it was last year or the year before. The decreasing number of cases shows that the message is getting through and doping and the misuse of medication will not be tolerated in greyhound racing. If people engage in that practice, they will be caught and the breaches will be identified. Regarding breaches, every single case goes to the independent control committee, which is entirely independent of the board. The committee adjudicates on the case and decides what sanctions should be imposed.