Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied that the new measures introduced to deal with the doping of greyhounds are adequate to deal with the use of cocaine and other performance enhancing drugs; and the position in relation to legislation on the issue. [25199/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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On the completion of an independent assessment of certain corporate governance and doping issues affecting Bord na gCon, conducted by Mr. Tim Dalton, the Government approved a number of specific actions to be taken. A number of the recommendations require an amendment of existing legislation and work is ongoing on the legislation to implement these recommendations.

Bord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the greyhound racing industry, including integrity management and anti-doping controls. In relation to the establishment of an independent Doping Control Committee, it was decided that new arrangements should not be delayed until the relevant legislative changes were made and should be implemented by the Board, using its existing powers.

Accordingly, an independent Control Committee and a Control Appeal Committee have been established to adjudicate on all matters concerning the integrity of greyhound racing. The Control Committee held its first meeting on 25 July 2007 and, after allowing the appropriate period for appeals from decisions of the Committee, the findings in all cases were published in accordance with the regulations established by the Board.

In cases involving serious prohibited substances, the Committee imposed substantial fines (and, in some instances, forfeiture of prize money) and believes this will act as an appropriate deterrent going forward.

I am advised that under its established prohibited substance testing policy, Bord na gCon conducts random testing, targeted testing and pre- and post-race testing. Sample analysis is conducted by the Board's National Greyhound Laboratory, which operates to the highest level of industry accreditation. I am further advised that the laboratory is continually reviewing and improving its testing methodologies for the detection of prohibited substances.

I am confident that the testing regime employed by Bord na gCon and the appointment of the independent Control and Control Appeal Committees will be effective in monitoring and controlling the use of prohibited substances.