Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I am delighted to have the opportunity to raise this issue. The proposal of Bord na gCon to set up a racing franchise and export Irish greyhounds to the People's Republic of China has given rise to considerable concern among animal rights and welfare groups and ordinary dog owners. I am sure the Minister of State and every Deputy will have received numerous letters and e-mails on the issue in recent days raising concerns about the possible export of greyhounds to a country which has no animal welfare legislation and no regulation, supervision or mechanism for protecting such animals. There is no ban on the killing of dogs there and we are all aware that some dogs are regularly eaten or are on the menu in China. Obviously, there is considerable scope for abuse under the circumstances.

It is with a degree of trepidation that we have learned that Bord na gCon is to establish this link with China for a new greyhound industry there. We have just got to the stage of providing legislation in this country, through the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, and this year we expect to deal with the aptly named Welfare of Greyhounds Bill. It would be a retrograde step, when we are putting regulatory measures in place in this country to deal with the breeding of dogs, the prevention of abuse in that regard, and the welfare of greyhounds, which form a huge industry in Ireland, and ensuring there is adequate regulation and supervision in the industry, to open up an export market to a country that has no such regulation, measures or supervision and where we would only be in charge at long distance. We must remember that the People's Republic of China is not around the corner but at the other side of the world. While we could have the best of regulations here at home, we would have no power on a statutory basis to ensure there were any regulations in the People's Republic of China. Quite clearly there could be a lucrative contract with Bord na gCon in respect of this commercial matter, but is this a suitable business for Ireland to get involved in unless we can ensure that animal welfare is protected?

Can the Minister of State allay the fears that ordinary people have about greyhounds exported from Ireland? There are fears that they would not be properly supervised in their racing career while in China. There are concerns over how they are to be disposed of and dealt with after they have ceased to be of any use on the racetrack. If there is no protection for animals we can only imagine the worst may happen in many instances. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has responsibility to grant approval and provide licences for any such export trade. What detailed discussions have taken place with the Chinese authorities on the project? Have there been discussions on animal welfare? Are the Irish authorities in a position to supervise and persuade the Chinese authorities that if such a greyhound industry is established in the People's Republic then statutory provisions would be introduced to protect the welfare of the dogs involved?

Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The greyhound racing and breeding industry sustains 11,000 full-time and part-time jobs directly and indirectly, many in rural communities. It contributes an estimated €500 million into local economies around the tracks, which are spread throughout the country. An independent review completed by Farrell Grant Sparks in 2009 stated that there is adequate evidence to support a strong argument that the greyhound industry constitutes a major source of direct and indirect employment, gives rise to considerable domestic and export earnings and is a key driver of substantial economic activity, especially in rural areas.

Some 17 greyhound tracks are licensed by Bord na gCon, of which Bord na gCon owns eight tracks at Shelbourne Park, Harold's Cross, Cork, Tralee, Waterford, Youghal, Limerick and Galway. It also has a 51% share in the Mullingar track. The greyhound breeding industry is very successful with more than 75% of greyhounds now running in the UK being Irish bred.

Bord na gCon is a commercial State body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Responsibility for Bord na gCon transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 2010. The board of Bord na gCon is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the company. Bord na gCon has repeatedly confirmed its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare in the greyhound industry.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is aware that Bord na gCon is exploring possible business opportunities in China and has been in contact with the Department in this regard. Today I met the chairman and chief executive of Bord na gCon to discuss the proposal. I made it clear that I am not in a position to approve the project as presented. It was agreed that Bord na gCon would modify its proposal to exclude the export of greyhounds from Ireland but would continue to explore possibilities of developing the proposal to assist in the management of greyhound racing in China.

Deputies will be pleased to note that Bord na gCon has demonstrated its commitment to greyhound welfare and in this regard has several initiatives in place to ensure consistent and appropriate welfare standards are met. These include the attendance of veterinary surgeons at racing and at sales trials, employment of personnel to oversee greyhound welfare and the employment of a welfare manager. Bord na gCon is also an active member of the International Greyhound Forum, an international group involved in the establishment of welfare standards and education. A guide to best practice as to the care and welfare of greyhounds is available from the Bord na gCon website.

Bord na gCon established a welfare committee in July 2009 which seeks to identify ways in which the welfare of greyhounds can be improved. In addition Bord na gCon also operates the Retired Greyhound Trust which focuses on the adoption and re-homing of greyhounds when they finish racing. In 2011 it launched a campaign, which is ongoing, to promote greyhounds as pets. Officials of Bord na gCon investigate any complaints received regarding greyhound welfare and follow up on any issues of concern that arise through their everyday interaction with trainers or owners either on the racetrack or elsewhere. Any proposal involving Bord na gCon engaging with the greyhound industry in China would have to give due consideration to animal welfare matters.

Ireland attaches a high priority to animal welfare and, alongside our EU partners, is working to promote better animal welfare internationally. The Government is preparing to introduce legislation in the current term which will provide a regime tailored specifically to enhancing the welfare of greyhounds. The commitment of the Government to animal welfare in general is beyond doubt and is reflected among the priorities in the programme for Government.

No greyhounds have been exported from Ireland to China in recent years. Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols with the Chinese authorities and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit. The Department endeavours to ensure that all exporters comply with the European Council regulation on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. All EU member states including Ireland are working to promote better animal welfare internationally and in this regard Ireland has introduced national legislation giving effect to Regulation (EC) No. 1523/2007 of the European Parliament and Council dated 11 December 2007.

The Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2010 passed its Second Reading and was scheduled for Committee and Remaining Stages in the Seanad but was not enacted before the general election. The 2010 Bill had cross-party support in the Seanad and had the support of Bord na gCon, Dogs Trust and the DSPCA. The Government intends to reintroduce the Bill very shortly.

Greyhounds have not been exported from Ireland to China in recent years. It was agreed at today's meeting that Bord na gCon would modify its proposal to exclude the export of greyhounds from Ireland but would continue to explore possibilities of developing the proposal to assist in the management of greyhound racing in China.