Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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394. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Indecon failed to mention the 2005 artificial insemination of greyhound regulations in its review (details supplied); if he will confirm if Indecon examined this legislation during its review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28777/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Indecon International Consultants were commissioned to review certain matters relating to Bord na gCon, including legislation, governance structures, funding and management of Bord na gCon and the wider greyhound industry.

The terms of reference were as follows:

- Assessment of the appropriateness of the existing legislation in the current operating environment, particularly with regard to the governance of Bord na gCon;

- Evaluation of whether the current structure and size of the board and management structure of Bord na gCon is appropriately designed to ensure that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively, in order to maximize the potential of the industry and make recommendations as to any changes required;

- Against the background of the current financial environment, identify opportunities to increase the commercial income of Bord na gCon, assess levels of debt sustainability and outline the actions required in this regard;

- Assessment of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the systems operated by Bord na gCon with regard to the regulation of the industry and greyhound welfare. Indecon also considered ways in which Bord na gCon could assist in supporting an adequate supply of racing greyhounds.

Figure 3.1 in the Indecon report lists legislation governing governance and structures within the Greyhound Racing Industry, in accordance with the terms of reference. The 2005 Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations relate specifically to greyhound breeding methods and do not fall within this category.

In this regard, detailed rules governing the practice of the artificial insemination of greyhounds were set down in the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations, 2005, (S.I. No. 561 of 2005), which were made by BNG under Section 39 of the Act. The Regulations included a two year limit on the use of semen for artificial insemination following the death of a stud dog, thereafter any unused semen had to be destroyed.

In March 2014, Bord na gCon invited industry stakeholders to submit proposals regarding the suitability of the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations 2005 in the context of meeting current industry requirements.

After a detailed consideration of submissions received, Bord na gCon decided in September 2014, having consulted with the ICC, to remove the two year limit on the use of semen following the death of a stud greyhound. Arising from this decision, and with the consent of the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, new regulations were introduced by Bord na gCon which came into effect on 1 November 2014 removing this two year limit on semen from an expired sire.

I am informed by Bord na gCon that in conjunction with the Irish Coursing Club they have carried out preliminary research and discussions with various experts in the areas of Quantitative Genetics, Animal & Bioscience Research and Canine Genetics on the specific aspects such as:

- Pedigree analysis of inbreeding levels and rate of accumulation of inbreeding in the Irish Greyhound;

- Developing a breeding program to ensure long term gains while simultaneously managing genetic diversity;

- The impact on the age of semen or age of semen donor on gene mutation rate.

Following on from this, I understand that Bord na gCon have commissioned a scientific study dealing with topics outlined above with a view to assisting the Board in relation to policy development in this area.