Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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541. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take regarding the publication of Indecon International Consultants Review of Certain Matters Relating to Bord na gCon, to implement the significant change recommended in regard to animal welfare challenges. [31042/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is the commercial State body charged with the development of the greyhound racing industry, which has been estimated to support 10,000 jobs and €0.5bn in economic output.

Following the completion of a public procurement process, Indecon International Consultants were commissioned by my Department to conduct “A Review of Certain Matters Relating to Bord na gCon"in order to assess the suitability of the legal, governance and regulatory framework supporting the greyhound industry and to identify opportunities to maximise the commercial income of Bord na gCon, with a view to assisting the greyhound racing industry in reaching its potential.

The Review included a rigorous analysis of the financial performance of Bord na gCon, an examination of its strategic plans and an assessment of matters relating to governance, regulatory controls, greyhound welfare and breeding. The exercise included a detailed examination of the various submissions made through the stakeholder consultation process,

The Report produced by Indecon on completion of the Review was presented to the Board of Bord na gCon and published on the website of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on 7 July.

My colleague, Minister of State, Tom Hayes, TD, and I accept the recommendations contained in the Indecon Report. Having identified a number of critical issues, this Report contains recommendations and outlines a range of practical measures to address the challenges faced by Bord na gCon. These are aimed at ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the greyhound industry so that it can make the maximum contribution to the economy. Bord na gCon has also welcomed the publication of the report.

Minister Hayes has directed Bord na gCon to examine the Report and prepare proposals for the implementation of its recommendations by the end of September.

In parallel, officials within my Department are considering the legislative changes required in order to give effect to the Report’s recommendations. I would expect that the proposals received from Bord na gCon, following their consideration of the Indecon Report, will impact on the drafting process. The draft legislation will be brought before Cabinet for approval, at the earliest opportunity, in accordance with procedure.

I am pleased to note that Bord na gCon has recently made an appointment to the new position of Director of Racing Governance and Compliance, a position I expect will be of critical importance in overseeing the implementation of recommendations in relation to welfare, regulation and breeding.