Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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31. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 75 of 27 May 2015 and 29 of 14 May 2015, the number of over 140 monetary fines handed out for the use of banned substances in greyhound racing that have been paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26105/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation and development of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Act 1958. The Control Committee and the Control Appeals Committee of Bord na gCon are established under legislation (Greyhound Industry, Control Committee and Control Appeal Committee Regulations 2007, S.I. Number 301 of 2007). These committees have powers to determine appropriate fines for breaches of these Regulations.

The issue to which the Deputy refers is an operational matter for Bord na gCon.

I understand from Bord na gCon that in all, a total of 147 sanctions were imposed by the Control Committee in relation on greyhounds that tested positive for banned substances in the period 2011 to 2015. These included 142 monetary fines which ranged from €100 to €2,500 over the above period.

In addition, two testing orders were imposed whereby greyhounds in the ownership or care of a transgressor are subjected to sampling for a given period of time when they are presented for racing at stadia.

Bord na gCon have informed me that there are 58 outstanding fines. Of these 12 relate to 2015. I understand from Bord na gCon that in certain circumstances where delays in non-payment of fines persist, disciplinary action, as deemed appropriate, can be taken pursuant to the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, and S.I. 301/2007 – Greyhound Industry (Control Committee and Control Appeal Committee) Regulations 2007.

Bord na gCon has advised me that it is reviewing all outstanding fines to ensure maximum compliance with the penalties imposed by the Control Committee.

As part of the ongoing regulatory reform, Bord na gCon has completed a public consultation process in relation to the possibility of publication of all adverse laboratory analytical findings at the time the report is received from the laboratory. Legislative proposals required to give effect to such publication are currently being considered by Bord na gCon.

Bord na gCon has assured me of its ongoing commitment to a robust regulatory framework based on an intelligence-led strategy. I understand that Bord na gCon is currently conducting a comprehensive review of all aspect relating to integrity, including its sampling and analysis procedures for prohibited substances and medication control.

Following the review, Bord na gCon will consider amendments to legislation, modify practices and policies as appropriate, and assess whether any improvements can be made to the current anti-doping and medication control structures that are in place. The objective is to strengthen regulation so that the highest standards in relation to integrity are achieved.

I commissioned the Indecon report in recognition of the need to review and reform aspects of the greyhound sector, including matters relating to integrity services, and I view it as critically important that its recommendations are implemented, with a view to ensuring that the greyhound industry can reach its full potential and prosper into the future.