Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. It is generally accepted that this legislation is long overdue and, while people are generally welcoming, I accept that there is a range of views, particularly in respect of welfare concerns. Deputy Daly mentioned that it was about reputation. In fairness, regardless of commercial aspects or anything else, the reputation we have as a country of caring for animals should be paramount. This legislation is primarily an industry Bill to regulate the integrity and governance of the industry. The other legislation that deals primarily with welfare, which is integrated and woven into this Bill, is the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

Deputy Daly made a specific point about the authorised officers. I repeat that sections 35, 36, 37 and 40 relate to the appointment, investigatory powers and functions of authorised officers. The Bill provides amplified powers for authorised officers to investigate matters including investigating the use of performance altering substances. Section 40 specifically provides that subject to the jurisdiction of the District Court, authorised officers may seek a search warrant, including to search a domestic dwelling, where the authorised officer believes that there may be evidence of a breach or an intended breach of the racing code or of the commission or intended commission of an offence under the Greyhound Industry Acts. There is enhanced power assigned to the authorised officers which was not there heretofore.

I will try to deal with the main concerns that have been raised. One of them has been about the Bill Deputy Broughan brought in and the so-called white list. Trade within the EU is governed under specific EU law and procedures for export, particularly Council Directive 92/65/EEC, which states that dogs moved to another EU country from Ireland must be accompanied by a pet passport, be microchipped and have valid rabies vaccination. The premises exporting dogs must be registered with the Department in advance of export and before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported. Dogs must also have a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian. These procedures, including vaccination, ensure that only healthy dogs over the age of 15 weeks are allowed to be exported. There are other considerations, in particular with regard to the receiving premises.

I am conscious that I would like to get Second Stage concluded this evening; I know it is in my hands. Under the retired greyhound fund, Bord na gCon in 2017 contributed just over €100,000 to the Retired Greyhound Trust. Bord na gCon contributed €11,000 towards neuter-spay and €93,000 towards the general trust.

The list of countries in which animals were rehomed and the numbers amount to 529 in 2018. The majority of greyhounds are exported to the UK. About 85% is the most accurate analysis. They are the dogs that are actually registered in the stud book in the UK. Our own animal identification and movement system, AIMS, does not allow for the identification of different dog breeds, no more than in any species of animal, so it is not possible to get it any more refined than it is.

The purpose of this legislation is to improve the governance of Bord na gCon, strengthen regulatory controls in the industry, modernise sanctions and improve integrity. The Bill goes a long way to doing that and I accept that there will be amendments which we will endeavour to address on Committee Stage. I thank all Members and my colleagues from the Department, who have worked really hard to get this legislation through. It is long overdue. Since I was appointed in May 2016, we have been endeavouring to get this legislation into the Dáil. We have successfully got it through the Seanad. I accept that amendments were made by various Members. We took them on board where we felt they were valid.

On the appointment of a vet, it is important to point out that it was recommended in the Indecon report. It was never intended that there would not be a vet included but it was accepted that we could specifically put in both a vet and somebody with industry knowledge so that we would have good cross-representation. There are other legal and financial skill sets which are also very important in terms of the overall administration of an organisation such as Bord na gCon. I will conclude at that. I hope to see this Bill concluded before Easter.

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