Written answers
Tuesday, 9 April 2024
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Greyhound Industry
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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977. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Greyhound Racing Ireland still has no strategic plan in place almost 15 months after the last one expired, almost a year after it was quoted in a national newspaper claiming that such a strategic plan was in the process of being finalised by consultants (details supplied), and five months after he said a draft strategic plan had been submitted to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14324/24]
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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978. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason Greyhound Racing Ireland is only now in March 2024 seeking submissions from stakeholders to help it in the process of drafting its strategic plan, almost 15 months after the last strategic plan expired, almost a year after it was quoted in a national newspaper claiming that such a strategic plan was in the process of being finalised by consultants (details supplied), and five months after he said a draft strategic plan had been submitted to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14325/24]
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 977 and 978 together.
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 preparation and adoption of a strategic plan is the responsibility of the RCÉ Board and this will be a statutory matter for the board to fully consider. Following the appointment of the new CEO at the end of 2023, my Department has been engaging with Rásaíocht Con Éireann as they finalise their strategic plan. RCÉ has informed my Department that the stakeholder consultation process has recently concluded and a finalised strategic plan is expected in the coming months.
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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979. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what indicators and targets as stipulated in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (details supplied) are being used to measure the performance of the Irish greyhound industry in the absence of a strategic plan for the past 14 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14326/24]
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a 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 preparation and adoption of a strategic plan is the responsibility of the RCÉ Board and this will be a statutory matter for the board to fully consider. RCÉ has informed my Department that the stakeholder consultation process has recently concluded and a finalised strategic plan is expected in the coming months.
My Department operates a number of procedures and processes to ensure that RCÉ complies with the Code of Practice for Governance of State bodies 2016 (the Code) associated circulars and relevant legislation, including full consideration of financial statements, maintenance of communication at all levels, written oversight documentation and Ministerial appointments to the Board.
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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980. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the monetary figure for the economic and financial contribution of the Irish greyhound industry to the Irish economy based on the figures contained in the industry-commissioned economics report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14327/24]
Charlie 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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