Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the action he has taken to tackle the problem of the illegal use of drugs or remedies on race animals; if his attention has been drawn to a recent statement (details supplied) indicating an extensive problem here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7057/07]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 5558/07 of 15th February last and reaffirm 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 last week 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.

In line with the recommendations of the Dalton Report, I recently announced the establishment of an independent Control and Appeals Committee, 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.