Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The fund is split 80:20 between horse racing and greyhound racing, respectively. The latter has received approximately €11 million this year. The Minister of State touched slightly on the issues affecting the greyhound industry. It is in chaos due in large part to the fact that Bord na gCon's chairman and board refuse to meet the Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation, IGOBF. I have that in writing from the federation. This is wrong. Bord na gCon has serious questions of accountability, transparency and integrity to answer. So far, answers have not been forthcoming. I welcome the fact that the Committee of Public Accounts is examining this issue. When some 50% of the €11 million or €12 million that goes to Bord na gCon comes from the taxpayer, answers must be forthcoming. The rest of the amount comes from the industry.

The IGOBF has been in existence for more than 40 years and is the controlling body for all regional greyhound owners and breeders. It is a formidable, grassroots organisation. Often, it is also a volunteer-based organisation. Bord na gCon's 2013-17 strategic business plan is self-congratulatory and much of it has been disputed by the federation. They are one year into the plan, yet there has been no formal communication between the breeders and the executive of Bord na gCon. Its chairman refuses to allow the executive to meet the IGOBF. This is outrageous.

To be fair, a review is under way, but an integrity commissioner needs to be appointed to examine the manner in which the funding is being drawn down and spent. From information that has been passed to me, it is my understanding that Bord na gCon is indebted to the tune of €30 million and that greyhound stadiums lost €1 million last year. Serious questions need to be answered. While we can ask them as politicians, an independent investigation must be undertaken by an integrity commissioner to examine how taxpayers' money is being expended and whether we are getting the best value for that money. I am sure that the Minister of State will agree that issues should be addressed where they arise.