Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

71. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he can ensure that a key objective of the Irish Greyhound Board’s strategic plan 2018-22, which is to maintain animal welfare at the centre of the industry, will be met; the way in which the greyhound care fund is addressing the welfare and health issues of greyhounds. [41885/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Bord na gCon (BnG) 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.

BnG 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 BnG to enable reports of welfare breaches to be investigated 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.