Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1173. 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. [19508/17]

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. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

I understand that BnG, in view of its substantial debt burden, having considered the matter and having regard to the recommendations in the Indecon Report, has decided to cease racing at Harold’s Cross and initiate the sale of the stadium in order to reduce its debt levels and increase its capacity to provide support and assistance to the industry.

While the decision to close Harold's Cross was taken with regret, its view is that the interests of the sector as a whole are best served by concentrating Dublin racing activities in its national stadium, Shelbourne Park, which is located approximately two miles from Harold's Cross.

Greyhound racing has been part of the Dublin landscape for many years and Bord na gCon has informed me that it is their intention that this continues to be the case and that it is further developed.

Shelbourne Park has been operating 3 nights per week, which is limited use for a property in this location and with the facilities on offer. There is sufficient capacity in Shelbourne Park to accommodate the Harold’s Cross racing schedule there.

Bord na gCon has informed me that Shelbourne Stadium remains open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for greyhound racing. The current wave of protests has prevented entries for racing, therefore inhibiting the opportunity for customers to enjoy the live racing content.

I am satisfied that the Chairman and Board of Bord na gCon continue to discharge their functions and that against the background of a difficult operating environment over the past number of years, they are taking positive steps to address the issues identified in the Indecon Report, including those in relation to finance, governance and integrity services.

I want to assure you that I am committed to securing the future of the greyhound industry. I presented the new Greyhound Industry Bill to Cabinet in early March. The draft scheme has now been referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, for pre-legislative scrutiny.

The provision of a strong legal framework will support the development of the greyhound racing sector in Ireland and ultimately provide a platform to improve its contribution to the economy and employment. It is my firm belief that the future of the greyhound industry is dependent on a strong governance platform, the industry having the highest standards of integrity founded on strong regulatory systems and robust animal welfare controls.