Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Deputies who contributed to the debate. There is a range of factors that justify continued Government support for the greyhound sector. The programme for Government contains a strong commitment to ensuring that there is a continued improvement in animal welfare within the industry. Future funding of the sector is contingent, on an annual basis, on welfare standards being upheld and compliance with those standards being strictly monitored.

Like many other industries, the greyhound sector is particularly affected by the Covid-19 crisis. The most recent economic assessment of the industry, undertaken by Jim Power Economics in November 2017, outlined how the sector delivers a significant impact for the national economy, with 12,300 people deriving an economic benefit directly from it. According to its annual report for 2019, Rásaíocht Con Éireann employs 125 full-time staff and 112 part-time staff, measured in full-time equivalents, with approximately 700 casual staff also employed at peak periods. The greyhound industry is predominantly rural but it does have a strong urban base. It has been significantly impacted by the Covid crisis as a result of the requirement for behind-door racing, or the absence of racing, for much of this year. Recovery of the industry will require ongoing Government support to aid the restoration of normal levels of activity and adequately manage welfare issues in the process.

The future of the industry is dependent on a strong governance platform and the industry achieving the highest standards of integrity and welfare, founded on a strong regulatory system. Provisions in the Greyhound Racing Act 2019, which came into effect in May last year, will make a real difference in this regard. The legislation strengthens the legal basis for the industry, with a view to fortifying the integrity of the greyhound racing sector and improving provision for greyhound traceability. In accordance with the requirements of the Act, Rásaíocht Con Éireann has conducted a procurement process for the introduction of a new traceability system. It expects to have the system operational by the end of this year, with statutory regulation to follow on from that. This will provide a very strong mechanism to ensure that racing greyhounds are registered and traceable throughout their lives and that enforcement mechanisms are in place. It will provide for the recording of important events in the life of a racing greyhound, including birth, microchipping, registration, racing career, changes of ownership, trainer and location, export, retirement and end of life.

The sections of the Act commenced last month signal a new era for the greyhound racing sector. They facilitate Rásaíocht Con Éireann in focusing on its key priority objective of achieving the highest standards of care and welfare of greyhounds. There is a very strong commitment to improved animal welfare in the programme for Government, as I indicated, and future funding is contingent on meeting the required standards. It is crucial, as we go forward, that we continue to support the sector for all of the reasons I have outlined. We recognise that it is an important part of our heritage and tradition in many rural and urban areas. It is important that the State should recognise that tradition and, in so doing, acknowledge the significant contribution the industry makes to economic life in those areas.

We have had a very active debate, with clear positions set out by various speakers. The Government is very clear in its support for the sector. The Social Democrats also have a clear view on the matter. At yesterday's meeting of the agriculture committee, Deputy Cairns was the only member to speak against continued funding for the sector, but there are others who share her views. Some people are trying to hold to both sides of the track on the issue. I note that Sinn Féin is not supporting the increased funding of €2.6 million in the budget, which recognises the pressure the sector is under as a result of the Covid crisis, but it does support the existing funding. If my recollection serves me right, the party opposed that funding when it was announced last year. The view Sinn Féin Deputies give and the position they take on this issue depends on who they are talking to about it. We must all be clear on where we stand on the issue. From the Government's point of view, and in accordance with the programme for Government, the industry deserves support. We recognise the very strong efforts by Rásaíocht Con Éireann to ensure that there is oversight and transparency in regard to the welfare of greyhounds in the industry. We also recognise the commitment and care shown by those involved in the sector towards their animals. In any instances where that is not the case, we are committed to ensuring there are mechanisms in place to intervene and address it. Situations where animals are not properly cared for cannot be tolerated.

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