Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to enhance the welfare of Irish greyhounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14569/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department attaches a high priority to animal welfare and, alongside our EU partners, we are working to promote better animal welfare internationally.

Bord na gCon is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon has demonstrated its commitment to greyhound welfare and in this regard has a number of initiatives in place to ensure consistent and appropriate welfare standards are met. These include the attendance of veterinary surgeons at racing and at sales trials, employment of personnel to oversee greyhound welfare and the employment of a Welfare Manager. Bord na gCon is also an active member of the International Greyhound Forum - an international group involved in the establishment of welfare standards and education. A guide to best practice as to the care and welfare of greyhounds is available from the Bord na gCon website.

Bord na gCon established a Welfare Committee in July 2009 which seeks to identify ways in which the welfare of greyhounds can be improved.

In addition Bord na gCon also operates the Retired Greyhound Trust which focuses on the adoption and re-homing of greyhounds when they finish racing. In 2011 they launched a campaign, which is on-going, to promote greyhounds as pets. The Government has published legislation dealing specifically with greyhound welfare with a view to enhancing the welfare of Irish greyhounds.