Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this opportunity to have a discussion with Senators on Bord na gCon. As Members will be aware, Bord na gCon is a commercial State body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 and is responsible for the control and development of the greyhound industry in Ireland. The most recent estimates available suggest that the greyhound industry underpins in excess of 10,000 jobs and stimulates €500 million in economic output, particularly in rural areas.

The greyhound racing industry receives financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund under section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001. Payments are made from the fund to Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The amount allocated for this purpose is published in the budget and approved by way of resolution made by both Houses of the Oireachtas each year. State funding provided from the fund is pivotal to the survival and continued development of the horse and greyhound racing industry.

The 2014 budget provides for an allocation of €54.22 million for the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. In accordance with section 12 of the Act, this will be distributed as follows: 80% for Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, which in effect equates to €43.37 million, and 20% to Bord na gCon, which equates to €10.84 million. The funding provided to Bord na gCon supports what is a very important indigenous industry and helps to sustain the role of greyhound breeding, training and racing enterprises in the development of our rural economy. The industry has down through the years produced a very good return for the State's investment and is a significant contributor to the Exchequer.

Bord na gCon reports that since 2002, more than ten million people, including Irish people and tourists, have attended greyhound racing meetings throughout Ireland. Greyhound racing is a tourist attraction which provides foreign visitors to Ireland with an opportunity to enjoy a good night out in nice surroundings. The funding being provided to the greyhound racing sector helps to sustain a long-standing tradition as the industry is part of the social fabric of our country. This funding underpins the economic activity in what are in many instances less affluent regions of the country. It has also contributed significantly to the improved facilities now available at 17 greyhound tracks throughout Ireland.

Bord na gCon is a corporate body with a legal personality separate from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It is the responsibility of the board of Bord na gCon to lead and direct the activities of the organisation. I am conscious of the onerous responsibilities that individuals take on when appointed to the board of a State body. It is important that people on the board of Bord na gCon have the appropriate mix of skills to enable them to direct such an important industry. In common with other State bodies, Bord na gCon must adhere to the requirements set out in the code of practice for governance of State bodies and any other policy directives issued by Government, together with any demands in legislation. My Department monitors compliance of Bord na gCon in this regard.

The annual report and accounts of Bord na gCon are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and are laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, having been noted by Government. The CEO of Bord na gCon is accountable to the Oireachtas in respect of these accounts through the Committee of Public Accounts. The chairman, chief executive and chief financial officer of Bord na gCon appeared before the Committee of Public Accounts in November last year in connection with the committee's consideration of the 2011 annual report and accounts of Bord na gCon. Subsequent to this meeting, Bord na gCon provided additional material by way of written responses to issues raised by the committee. The Comptroller and Auditor General is currently undertaking an examination of the Limerick stadium project, the results of which will be known later this year.

The overall objective of the Government is to ensure the greyhound racing industry achieves its maximum potential and in so doing contributes to the economic and social fabric of the country. Successive Governments have recognised the importance of these industries for our country and have supported them through legislation and policy initiatives. The support provided by public funds to investment in these industries through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund has enabled Ireland to develop into a world centre of excellence for horse racing, greyhound racing and breeding. As part of its overall commitment to the industry, the Government is addressing, through legislation, the anomaly whereby remote and online betting operators are outside the tax net. The Minister for Finance has published the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013, which when enacted, will extend betting duty to online and remote operators. As Members will be aware, that legislation is currently going through the Dáil. When in this House some time ago I was asked to urge Government to bring forth that legislation as soon as possible. I am glad to report it is making its way through the process.

On the review of certain matters in relation to Bord na gCon, the Government wishes to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place to facilitate the growth and development of the greyhound racing industry into the future.

Following the completion of an open public procurement process I commissioned a very comprehensive independent review of certain matters relating to Bord na gCon in December 2013. The review encompasses the policy, governance and regulatory framework and the financial situation of Bord na gCon. The report documenting the findings of the review will assess the current situation with regard to Bord na gCon and will make recommendations as to any changes required to best place the industry to meet the challenges that lie ahead in a very dynamic and challenging environment. I expect to receive the final report within months.

All stakeholders want the greyhound industry to be put on a sound footing and to prosper into the future. I am hopeful that when the review is completed it will be a landmark to steer the greyhound industry and Bord na gCon into the future. The industry forms a very important part of rural life. Some 10,000 people, mostly based in rural areas, are involved in the greyhound business. When the report is handed to me it will give us the opportunity to steer a path forward. We want co-operation in this industry.

This is an industry that has got some negative publicity, but I believe it is important we are all singing off the same hymn sheet in this regard. There is great potential for the industry and as Ireland comes out of the economic difficulties of recent years, the greyhound racing industry will play a huge part in the recovery, particularly in rural areas. Some years ago the greyhound industry formed part of practically every household in rural areas, but that is no longer the case. I believe there is a potential for this industry and we should support it. I look forward to the Senators' contributions.