Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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195. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 25 of 5 May 2016, the oversight mechanisms the Irish Greyhound Board has in place such that it has confidence that its advice to owners involved in the export of greyhounds to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of care and management as defined in the IGB's code of practice for the welfare of greyhounds is being followed; and what sanctions the board has in place should it find that it is not. [10991/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is responsible for the governance, regulation and development of the greyhound industry in the Republic of Ireland. Bord na gCon’s remit is to regulate all aspects of greyhound racing including the licensing of tracks; the issuing of permits to officials, bookmakers and trainers; and the implementation of the rules of racing. The wellbeing of greyhounds, including their physical and social environment, is at the core of Ireland’s greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is totally committed to the welfare of greyhounds and the promotion of the highest standards of care throughout the industry. In particular, Bord na gCon’s Code of Practice in relation to the welfare of greyhounds clearly sets out specific standards that all individuals engaged in the care and management of registered Greyhounds are expected to meet. The Code of Practice emphasises that owners and keepers must take full responsibility for the physical and social well-being of greyhounds in line with best welfare practice.

Oversight mechanisms in place regarding greyhound exports include inter-agency co-operation, co-operation with fellow members of International Greyhound Forum and from intelligence/information which is received from Welfare Officers during the course of investigations carried out under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. Where any breaches of welfare standards are identified under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, Bord na gCon takes stringent actions and prosecutions ensue in accordance with the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. Bord na gCon expects the proper standard of welfare of greyhounds to be maintained in all jurisdictions worldwide and advises all owners involved in the export of greyhounds to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of greyhound care and management as defined in the Code.