asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is satisfied that the objectives of his Department in relation to the industry have been achieved by the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958; and if he will make a general statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Greyhound Industry.
45.
I am satisfied that Bord na gCon have had a considerable measure of success in achieving the general objectives of the 1958 Act, namely the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing and the better control of greyhound race tracks and coursing grounds.
The Deputy will observe from the Board's Annual Report for the year 1964, recently presented by me to the House, that greyhound exports have been at a record high level, that there have been further improvements, with the aid of subventions from the Board, in greyhound racing facilities and track amenities resulting in increases in meetings, entries of dogs, prize money and attendances of patrons; that substantial grants have been made by the Board for the development of coursing grounds and for increased stake money; and that many useful measures were taken by the Board for the purpose of the better control of and supervision over greyhound breeding, racing, coursing and sales.