Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. The 2021 Power report found that the greyhound industry provides and supports considerable employment both directly and indirectly across the Irish economy. It is estimated that in 2019, the industry supported over 4,000 full-time and part-time jobs in the economy. In addition, there are over 6,000 active greyhound owners. The total number of people deriving economic benefit from the sector is estimated at over 10,000. The Department provides dedicated financial support under the Horse and Greyhound Fund to Rásaíocht Con Éireann, RCÉ, the statutory body responsible for the operation and regulation of the greyhound industry. Since 2021, my Department has ring fenced 10% of the RCÉ allocation from the horse and greyhound racing fund for welfare matters. In addition, the Greyhound Racing Act 2019 develops the legislative basis for the industry, strengthening the integrity and welfare of the industry. A key element of the new legislation is the provision, for the first time, for a full IT traceability system for racing greyhounds. The funding provided to the greyhound racing sector helps sustain a longstanding tradition as the industry is part of the social fabric of our country. The funding underpins economic activity in what are, in many instances, highly rural areas.

The future of the industry is dependent on a strong governance platform and on the industry having the highest standards of integrity and welfare. There is a strong commitment to improved animal welfare in this sector in the programme for Government. The Department remains focused on ensuring that RCÉ is compliant with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, including an oversight agreement in the form of a shareholder's letter of expectation, which is produced annually and updated as required. The annual report and accounts of RCÉ are audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and are presented to both Houses of the Oireachtas. We are very committed to the continued strengthening of welfare standards in the greyhound industry. Future funding of the sector is dependent on welfare standards being upheld. That is reflected in the annual parameters set out by my officials in their engagement with RCÉ.

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