Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 316: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to protect the health and safety of Irish greyhounds once they reach China; the reasons for choosing China as a target market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10332/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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There have not been any exports of greyhounds from Ireland to China in recent years. Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols in advance with the Chinese authorities, and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit.

In response to an approach from promoters in China, Bord na gCon has been exploring the possibility of developing greyhound racing in China and recently submitted a proposal to my Department. My colleague Minister of State Shane McEntee, TD, met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Bord na gCon on 3 May 2011 to discuss the matter. It was agreed at this meeting that Bord na gCon would modify its proposal to exclude the export of greyhounds from Ireland but would continue to explore possibilities of developing the proposal to assist in the management of greyhound racing in China. Minister McEntee informed the Dáil of these developments on May 3 2011.

Further consideration will be given to the matter on receipt of a revised proposal from Bord na gCon.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his view and policy on the export of greyhounds to China; if he has responded to the campaign against this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10342/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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There have not been any exports of greyhounds from Ireland to China in recent years. Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols in advance with the Chinese authorities, and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit.

In response to an approach from promoters in China, Bord na gCon has been exploring the possibility of developing greyhound racing in China and recently submitted a proposal to my Department. My colleague Minister of State Shane McEntee, TD, met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Bord na gCon on 3 May 2011 to discuss the matter. It was agreed at this meeting that Bord na gCon would modify its proposal to exclude the export of greyhounds from Ireland but would continue to explore possibilities of developing the proposal to assist in the management of greyhound racing in China. Minister McEntee informed the Dáil of these developments on May 3 2011.

Further consideration will be given to the matter on receipt of a revised proposal from Bord na gCon.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 318: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on reports that the Irish Greyhound Board, a semi-State body, plans to export Irish dogs to China, a country which has a very poor animal welfare record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10400/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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There have not been any exports of greyhounds from Ireland to China in recent years. Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols in advance with the Chinese authorities, and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit.

In response to an approach from promoters in China, Bord na gCon has been exploring the possibility of developing greyhound racing in China and recently submitted a proposal to my Department. My colleague Minister of State Shane McEntee, TD, met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Bord na gCon on 3 May 2011 to discuss the matter. It was agreed at this meeting that Bord na gCon would modify its proposal to exclude the export of greyhounds from Ireland but would continue to explore possibilities of developing the proposal to assist in the management of greyhound racing in China. Minister McEntee informed the Dáil of these developments on May 3 2011.

Further consideration will be given to the matter on receipt of a revised proposal from Bord na gCon.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 319: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he has taken to ensure that all exporters comply with Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. [10401/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Council Regulation 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations came into effect in January 2007. It lays down the requirements and conditions for the transport of live vertebrate animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, poultry and horses, undertaken in connection with an economic activity, and the related operations of handling, loading and unloading. The main measures taken by my Department to ensure compliance with Regulation are set down below.

Transporters are authorised in accordance with and made aware of the requirements set down in Regulation 1/2005.

Trucks are approved in accordance with the requirements set down in Regulation 1/2005.

Drivers involved in the transport of live animals have a certificate of competence and have undergone a training course carried out to standards set by my Department.

Journey Logs in respect of cattle must be submitted for approval to an Official Veterinarian by the organiser of the transport in advance of any proposed long journey.

My Department deploys a considerable amount of resources to the process of certifying animals for export.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 320: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give a commitment to provide time for a Dáil Éireann discussion on any proposal by Bord na gCon to export greyhounds to China prior to the agreement of export health certification protocols with the Chinese authorities. [10402/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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There have not been any exports of greyhounds from Ireland to China in recent years. Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols in advance with the Chinese authorities, and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit.

The commitment of this Government to animal welfare in general is beyond doubt and is reflected among the priorities in the Programme for Government.

My colleague Minister of State Shane McEntee, TD, met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Bord na gCon on 3rd May 2011 to discuss the Board's proposal to explore business opportunities in China. It was agreed at this meeting that Bord na gCon would modify its proposal to exclude the export of greyhounds from Ireland but would continue to explore possibilities of developing the proposal to assist in the management of greyhound racing in China. Minister McEntee informed the Dáil of these developments on May 3rd 2011. Further consideration will be given to the matter on receipt of a revised proposal taking account of additional points raised by my Department.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of his confirmation to Dáil Éireann on 19 April 2011 that Bord na gCon is exploring possible business opportunities in China and has recently made a submission to him, when he will complete his consideration of the Bord na gCon proposal; and if his views on this proposal will be made public. [10403/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My colleague Minister of State Shane McEntee, TD, met with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Bord na gCon on 3rd May 2011 to discuss the Board's proposal to explore business opportunities in China. It was agreed at this meeting that Bord na gCon would modify its proposal to exclude the export of greyhounds from Ireland but would continue to explore possibilities of developing the proposal to assist in the management of greyhound racing in China. Minister McEntee informed the Dáil of these developments on 3 May 2011. Further consideration will be given to the matter on receipt of a revised proposal taking account of additional points raised by my Department.