Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 408: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will address the concerns (details supplied) of the Irish Greyhound Board regarding the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26555/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I have met on a number of occasions with the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) as has my Department, with a view to addressing their concerns regarding the proposed legislation contained in the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009. This active engagement has led to a series of amendments which I signalled at Report Stage in the Seanad on 16 June, 2010. I believe that these amendments, which address finance, breeding, and implementation, and which are subject to further advice from Parliamentary Counsel, will meet the concerns of the Irish Greyhound Board.

I am not aware of any High Court ruling in May 2010 in regard to the right of officers authorised by the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) to visit and inspect any premises at which greyhounds are kept. I understand that a High Court case involving the IGB was struck out on 6 May 2010 and no judgement was given. I am confident that the Bill, as amended in light of extensive discussions to date, will safeguard the welfare of dogs in dog breeding establishments, and will also contribute to a thriving greyhound industry and dog breeding industry by enhancing the standards and reputation of dog breeding in Ireland.