Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 17: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to a recent warning from a veterinary inspector with the Department of Agriculture and Food that there is increasing evidence of illegally imported animal remedies for greyhounds and racehorses that are not authorised for use here; if he has had discussions with the Department of Agriculture and Food regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5558/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will be aware that animal welfare and the area of illegally imported animal remedies for greyhounds and racehorses is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Agriculture and Food. Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon are the statutory bodies responsible for the horse and greyhound racing industries respectively including integrity management and anti-doping controls. However, officials of my Department have been in contact with the Department of Agriculture and Food, Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon in relation to the particular issue raised by the Deputy.

The position is that Bord na gCon met yesterday with officials from the Department of Agriculture and Food in relation to this issue and the Board plans to issue a statement and educational brief to the greyhound public to ensure they understand all aspects of the legal status and use of unlicensed products. I recently announced the establishment of an independent Control and Appeals Committee, in line with the recommendations of the Dalton Report, to adjudicate on all integrity-related cases arising in the greyhound industry. In Horse Racing, the Turf Club is responsible for the testing of racehorses both in and out of competition.