Written answers

Tuesday, 28 March 2023

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Greyhound Industry

Photo of Joe FlahertyJoe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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751. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has any concerns about the loss of revenue incurred by Rásaíocht Con Éireann arising from the fact that an organisation (details supplied) maintains control of the stud book for racing greyhounds, a loss of revenue estimated to be around €1 million a year; if he has any plans to introduce the legislation necessary to allow Rásaíocht Con Éireann set up its own dedicated stud book, as promised in its Strategic Plan 2018-2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14648/23]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) 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. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the organisation charged with the role of Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book (IGSB) since 1923. The Stud Book records pedigrees, ownerships, breeding data and transfers of ownership of all greyhounds. TheICC is subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann.

RCÉ has informed this Department that the requirements of Rásaíocht Con Éireann maintaining a Racing Stud Book have been superseded by the development and roll out of the Rásaíocht Con Éireann Traceability System (RCÉTS) which captures all relevant information (in real time) currently recorded in the Irish Greyhound Stud Book in addition to a raft of additional information appropriate to tracing the movements, location and key life events of greyhounds in Ireland.

I therefore have no plans to introduce such legislation.

Photo of Joe FlahertyJoe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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752. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhound care homes with a dedicated, unique visitor room funded by Rásaíocht Con Éireann that are currently in operation; the total capacity of such care homes; the location of these care homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14649/23]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) 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. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.

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