Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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469. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to review the status of Bord na gCon as a commercial semi-State body; the original rationale for awarding the body this status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41718/19]

Michael 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.

The passing of the Greyhound Racing Ireland Act 2019 will improve 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 excellence in the sector.

Bord na gCon has made significant changes to its care and welfare plan, which places the welfare of the greyhound at the centre of the industry. Actions proposed under the plan include the introduction of a traceability system, now provided for in statute under the Greyhound Racing Act 2019, an extended racing life for greyhounds, strategic partnerships with organisations solely dedicated to the welfare of greyhounds and an increased focus on re-homing.

A confidential phone line has been set up by Bord na gCon to enable reports of welfare breaches for investigation by the relevant agency. A Greyhound Care Fund has been established funded by a percentage from sponsorship and admission fees effective from September and, in addition, from a percentage of the Tote income from November.

I am confident that Bord na gCon is rebuilding the industry within a modern framework with the welfare of the racing greyhound at its core, and as such, I have no plans to review the status of Bord na gCon as a commercially semi-state body.