Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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337. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the Irish Greyhound Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18152/15]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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338. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding money received by the Irish Greyhound Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18153/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 338 together.

It is estimated that the greyhound industry employs over 10,000 people and since 2002 over 10 million people have attended greyhound racing meetings. The industry contributes an estimated €500 million per annum in economic output to local economies around the tracks which have a wide geographic spread. The greyhound industry also contributes significantly to tourism in Ireland, having successfully identified and developed a niche market among continental European visitors.

The Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was established under Section 12(1) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 for the purpose of giving support to the horse and greyhound racing industries. In accordance with the Act, 80% and 20% of the monies paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon, respectively.

Funding to the horse and greyhound racing industries decreased by 29% between 2008 and 2014.

In 2015 the allocation to Bord na gCon was increased by €2.8m to €13.6m, which is a 25% increase from the 2014 level, to restore funding to an important sector that makes a significant contribution to the economy in terms of employment, exports and tourism. This increase in funding is linked to the extension of the betting tax in 2015 to online betting and betting exchanges which is scheduled to take effect later this year.

The 2013 audited annual report and accounts of Bord na gCon are at present with my Department for consideration and will shortly be presented to Government for noting. The annual report and accounts will then be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas prior to their publication by Bord na gCon.