Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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148. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of the recent loan of €250,000 granted by Bord na gCon to a company (details supplied) in County Tipperary, in view of reported debts on the part of both Bord na gCon and the company receiving the loan and reports of the company's inability to pay Bord na gCon's race entry fees; if he will provide details on the decision-making process as regards the granting of this loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6672/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon has statutory responsibility under the Greyhound Industry Acts 1958 and 1993 for the control, development and improvement of the greyhound racing industry.

The issue to which the Deputy refers is an operational matter for Bord na gCon. That organisation is specifically empowered under Section 16 (1) of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, to provide loans for the “improvement of greyhound race tracks, authorised coursing grounds and the amenities thereof” and for“any other purpose conducive to the improvement and development of the industry”.

I am informed by BNG that financial support in the form of a trading facility in the amount of €250,000, was made available by it to the company referred to by the Deputy. This facility was intended to assist the company concerned with the completion of a project with the objective of furthering the development and promotion of greyhound racing.

I am advised that the decision to provide this facility was submitted for approval to the Board of Bord na gCon, and made after due consideration, in the best interests of greyhound racing.

I understand that this facility is part of a continuing trading relationship between Bord na gCon and the company concerned. While the terms of the facility are commercially sensitive, I am advised by Bord na gCon that the sum involved is repayable in full.

Bord na gCon's income is derived from two sources, turnover from racing facilities and financial support provided by my Department from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. State funding provided from the Fund is pivotal to the survival and continued development of the horse and greyhound racing industries. In accordance with the provisions of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, the level of financial support provided to Bord na gCon by my Department is approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Bord na gCon estimate that the greyhound industry employs over 10,300 people and contributes an estimated €500 million in economic output to local economies around the tracks which have a wide geographic spread.

Bord na gCon report that since 2002 over 10 million people have attended greyhound racing meetings.

The funding being provided to the greyhound racing sector helps sustain a long standing tradition as the industry is part of the social fabric of our country. This funding underpins the economic activity in what are in many instances, less affluent regions of the country. It has also contributed significantly to the improved facilities now available at greyhound tracks around Ireland.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department published the report compiled by Indecon independent consultants following their study of certain matters relating to Bord na gCon in July 2014. In its report Indecon, inter alia,identified serious financial challenges facing Bord na gCon. In their reply to the Indecon report Bord na gCon have outlined a number of measures to address these matters including the disposal of assets, calibration of races at poorly performing stadia, maximizing income from wagering, sponsorship and possible opportunities for generating additional income streams at stadia.

I am confident that Bord na gCon's commitment to the implementation of the recommendations of the Indecon Report will significantly improve its overall financial standing and contribute to the overall development of this very important sector.