Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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1097. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will follow the example of New Zealand and phase out greyhound racing in Ireland in light of the ongoing injuries and deaths at tracks and the annual killing of thousands of greyhounds who do not make the grade. [1316/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Government policy in Ireland has been to support the sector on the basis of its economic and social contribution, and to require that at least 10% of public funding to be used to support welfare and integrity.

While my Department is aware of the recent decision to ban greyhound racing in New Zealand, there are no plans for a similar ban in Ireland.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1098. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be taken regarding the proposal to ban surgical artificial insemination in greyhounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1322/25]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) announced in April 2024 that it had updated its Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Practitioners to prohibit veterinarians from carrying out surgical artificial insemination in dogs due to ethical and welfare considerations. However, this new prohibition does not apply to greyhounds, as the practice is provided for in legislation under the Artificial Insemination of Greyhound Regulations 2005.

The report of the Working Group on Control of Dogs, which was approved by Cabinet in March 2023, and has been published online atwww.gov.ie/en/publication/0d6d7-working-group-on-control-of-dogs/#report-of-the-working-group-on-the-control-of-dogs, includes a recommendation that surgical artificial insemination in canines ought to be prohibited, where the word canine encompasses all breeds of dogs, including greyhounds.

In 2024, I held a public consultation on whether the practice of carrying out surgical artificial insemination in greyhounds should be banned or not. This public consultation has now closed, and will contribute to the legislative process.

My Department is closely examining this issue and will be providing advice on an appropriate course of action in the near future