Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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99. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the changes being made to the greyhound sector in view of a meeting by his officials with the CEO of an organisation (details supplied) on 21 June 2019 to discuss an investigation into the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41376/19]

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 meeting, referred to by the Deputy, on the 21st June this year was convened to discuss how the industry can put welfare to the forefront of all business operations, and Bord na gCon's care plan was devised in response to this.

Bord na gCon has assured me that it continues to make significant progress in the areas of welfare and regulation under its Strategic Plan 2018-2022. One of the pillars of the plan is maintaining animal welfare 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 Ireland 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 established by Bord na gCon to enable the reporting of welfare breaches and follow up investigation by the relevant agency. A Greyhound Care Fund has been established which will be funded by a percentage from sponsorship and admission fees, effective from September 2019 and will be further funded 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.