Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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706. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider initiating a review into the operations and governance standards of Bord Na gCon, the Irish Greyhound Board; if he will consider suspending the activities of Bord na gCon pending the outcome of this proposed review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10293/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My predecessor commissioned the Indecon report, which was published in July 2014, in recognition of the need to review and reform aspects of the greyhound sector. 

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine published its report on the greyhound industry in January 2016 and in July 2016 the Irish Greyhound Board's  Anti Doping and Medication Review was published.

I view it as critically important that the recommendations outlined in these reports are implemented, with a view to ensuring that the greyhound industry can reach its full potential and prosper into the future.

Bord na gCon has assured me that it continues to implement the recommendations made in the aforementioned reports.

For my part, I expect to bring the Heads of a new Greyhound Racing Bill to cabinet this month which address the governance of Bord na gCon, strengthen regulatory controls in the industry, modernise sanctions and improve integrity with a view to building a reputation for exceptional regulation in the sector.

Against this background I have no plans to commission a further review into the greyhound industry at this time.