Written answers

Tuesday, 24 October 2017

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Greyhound Industry

Photo of Maureen O'SullivanMaureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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292. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding that will be spent on welfare related issues in view of the fact that €16 million was provided to the Irish Greyhound Board in budget 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44834/17]

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established 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.

State funding to the horse and greyhound racing industries is provided through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. Monies are disbursed from this fund in the ratio of 80% to Horse Racing Ireland and 20% to Bord na gCon.

While the issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bord na gCon, I have been informed that Bord na gCon recognises that the welfare of the greyhound is paramount and it adopts the best identified practices to ensure that the highest welfare standards are achieved both in the treatment of greyhounds but also ensuring safe surfaces where these animals run.

During 2016 circa €1.8m was incurred 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.

A full-time Veterinary Director is now employed by Bord na gCon to further develop and strengthen its integrity functions particularly in the areas of doping and medication control and in the welfare of greyhounds.

As reported on the Bord na gCon website www.igb.ieduring 2016, Bord na gCon through its Welfare Officers, conducted 571 kennel inspections resulting in 22 sanctions being imposed. Bord na gCon will provide additional financial resources towards a number of welfare related projects in 2018 and it is anticipated that there will also be additional financial resources directed towards the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust Fund. The resources of the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust, which is jointly funded by Bord na gCon and contributions from owners, are 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.

During 2016 the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust was successful in securing homes for 891 retired greyhounds with 374 of these greyhounds rehomed through private rehoming agencies assisted by the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust.

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