Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

342. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the recent winner of the Produce Stakes in Clonmel in County Tipperary was compliant with all the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Acts; if he has ever requested the Irish Greyhound Board to discontinue breaching the Greyhound Industry Acts, with specific reference to running reserves in competitions where the winning greyhound receives €5,000 or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26437/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Bord na gCon (BNG) is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. The issue that the Deputy raises regarding the running of reserves in competitions is an operational matter for BNG.

I expect BNG to fully comply with the provisions of all the greyhound legislation, including the various Statutory Instruments introduced from time to time dealing with a variety of issues.

I am advised by Bord an gCon that it has been their custom and practice to permit substitute greyhounds into the first round of all Sweepstakes but that reserves are not permitted into any subsequent rounds. Greyhounds in subsequent rounds must have qualified based on the previous round performance.

I have requested BNG to ensure that it takes the necessary actions to ensure that greyhound entries in competitions are in compliance with the legislative provisions.