Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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705. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22018/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is responsible for the identification and registration of greyhounds in the Irish Greyhound Studbook. It is the controlling authority for the breeding and coursing of greyhounds. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon) under Section 26(2) of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 (the Act). Bord na gCon is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing.

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 Bord na gCon 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.

As a result of the operational difficulties in the implementation of certain provisions of the Artificial Insemination of Greyhound Regulations, 2005, Bord na gCon invited industry stakeholders in March 2014 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.

To assist the board in relation to policy development in this area Bord na gCon have commissioned a scientific study into inbreeding in Irish Greyhounds. This study has now been completed and a report on the matter is currently being considered.