Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1162. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the greyhound industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19399/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is a commercial State body, established in 1958 under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry.

Greyhound racing is a traditional industry and a sport which plays an integral role in rural society and economy. In 2010 a report by Jim Power, Economic Consultant, commissioned by Bord na gCon, estimated that the greyhound racing industry was responsible for sustaining in excess of 10,000 full and part-time jobs directly and indirectly, many in rural communities, and injected an estimated €500 million into local economies.

Successive Governments have recognised the importance of the greyhound racing industry, and have supported them through legislation and policy initiatives down through the years.

Since 2002, well in excess of 10 million people have attended greyhound racing meetings.

Annual attendances at greyhound racing declined over the course of the recession. Greyhound racing was not immune from the impact of the downturn and in particular the reduction in consumer disposable income, emigration and the collapse in the construction industry. Also, over the period of the recession Government support for the industry was reduced significantly which coincided with the effects of the economic downturn. This has been restored in recent years.

Bord na gCon has informed me that the consumers and fans of greyhound racing are now consuming the sport differently, with the growth in social media and online distribution of racing generally, audience engagement is expanding. Bord na gCon state that attendance at greyhound stadia is beginning to stabilise in more recent times and saw an increase of 1% in 2016. Clearly, however, the sector is struggling financially, and there is much more to do to stabilise its finances, increase revenues and improve its financial viability.

Bord na gCon recognises that the welfare of the greyhounds is paramount and it adopts the best identified practices to ensure that the highest welfare standards are achieved. During 2016 circa €1.8m was spent by Bord na gCon in support of Regulatory and Welfare efforts. Bord na gCon will continue to enhance all aspects of greyhound welfare and ensure that the highest standards of performance and consistency are delivered when formulating strategy and appropriate policies.

As reported on the Bord na gCon website www.igb.ie,Bord na gCon, through its Welfare Officers, conducted in excess of 500 kennel inspections during 2016 and imposed 23 sanctions.

The Irish Retired Greyhound Trust, (which is jointly funded by Bord na gCon and contributions from owners), is primarily focused on the preparation of greyhounds for rehoming, including transportation, to the various European and U.S. Rehoming Agencies along with providing assistance to Private Greyhound Rehoming Agencies.

Bord na gCon has informed me that Bord na gCon contributed the sum of circa €95,000 to the Irish Greyhound Trust Fund in 2016 and in addition to this provided the sum of €11,000 towards the neutering/spaying costs of greyhounds which were rehomed through the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust Rehoming Scheme in 2016.

During 2015 and 2016 the Trust was successful in securing homes for 1,675 retired greyhounds, (694 were rehomed through agencies assisted by the Irish Greyhound Welfare Trust).

Where any breaches of welfare standards are identified under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, Bord na gCon has advised me that it takes stringent actions and prosecutions ensue in accordance with the Act. More can be done, and I have recently introduced the heads of a bill that will strengthen the Board's regulatory powers.