Mr. Pat Herbert:

I thank the Senator for his question. The chairperson and I are the two surviving members of the last party that was before the committee in 2019. My recollection from the last meeting is that the question of untraceable greyhounds centred around those that were exported rather than those domestically in Ireland. The UK provides the most significant export market for Irish greyhounds. The activity of greyhound breeding in the UK is limited in that 80% of greyhounds in the UK are of Irish origin. The figure for last year was 85%. There is very little breeding of greyhounds in the UK and it depends significantly on the Irish market. I emphasise that it is the responsibility of Greyhound Racing Ireland to govern and regulate greyhound racing in Ireland. These responsibilities do not extend to crossbreeds such as lurchers, which are commonly confused with greyhounds. We only advocate for the export of greyhounds to those countries with equivalent welfare standards to this country, the UK and Europe. We have gone on record to say that. We do not advocate the export of greyhounds to countries with substandard welfare levels.

It is abundantly clear to us that we are unfortunately not in a position to restrict exports of any animals, including greyhounds, to countries. We are obliged to operate under EU laws and worldwide trade agreements. Neither Greyhound Racing Ireland nor any other Irish regulator can be held responsible for greyhounds exported to countries which have welfare standards, from where they are subsequently exported to other countries. I advise the Senator that we are in constant and regular communication with our counterparts in the UK and Australia about these matters. Matters relating to greyhounds in Australia have been brought to our attention. We have investigated these matters here too. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to restrict exports of greyhounds. China was raised when we were last speaking. There is no live trade of greyhounds from Ireland to China unless they go through the UK. Our regulatory remit and controls under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act are confined to this jurisdiction.

The CEO mentioned the euthanasia Bill. The Senator asked about care centres and foster care centres. I defer to my colleague Mr. Fitzgerald on those matters.