Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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120. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of people working directly in the greyhound racing industry; and if plans are being made for a just transition for those people as State support is withdrawn. [25586/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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In terms of putting things in context, and as the Deputy will be aware, 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.

RCÉ receives financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.

Through the evaluation of the Greyhound Racing industry in the 2021 Power Report, it was highlighted that the greyhound industry provides and supports considerable employment across the Irish economy. It is estimated that in 2019, the industry both directly and indirectly, supported over 4,000 full-time and part-time jobs in the economy. In addition, there are over 6,000 active greyhound owners.

The total number of people deriving economic benefit from the sector is estimated at over 10,000. The particular importance of the funding of this industry to rural Ireland is well recognised.

An important pillar of Government policy is to ensure that the greyhound racing industry achieves its maximum potential, and in so doing, contributes to economic and social development over a wide geographic distribution.

Government funding, in addition to supporting the industry presents the opportunity to optimise return for its investment, leading to a flow of income through many levels of the economy. This provides widespread benefits for our society. The sector is also crucial in driving a geographically balanced economy throughout our country.

It is critical to note that the future of the industry is dependent on a strong governance platform and on the industry having the highest standards of integrity and welfare, founded on a strong regulatory system. Continued Government support is both instrumental; and contingent on Rásaíocht Con Éireann meeting such requirements.

In the context as set out I can be clear that there are no plans to withdraw State support.