David Andrews
Question:46 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he proposes to take to revitalise the greyhound industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3479/95]
Written Answers. - Greyhound Industry.
An amendment to the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, which was enacted in December 1993 altered the compositional requirements of Bord na gCon, lifted the ban on Sunday greyhound racing and introduced new controls of coursing.
I have been examining the legislation and, hopefully, in the course of this year I will be bringing forward proposals to the House for a comprehensive amendment of the 1958 Greyhound Industry Act to provide a new, modern legislative framework designed to suit the future needs of the industry.
The Bord has carried out an initial examination of all aspects of the industry and has developed an overall strategy for the revitalisation of the sector. The Bord is now working out in detail the implementation of its overall strategy.
In order to facilitate the Bord's efforts to revitalise the industry the Exchequer grant-in-aid has been increased from £0.75 million in 1993 to £2.85 million in 1994 and to £3 million in this year. In addition the greyhound industry is eligible for funding under measure three of the operational programme for agriculture rural development and forestry.