Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
685. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount the State subsidy to the Irish Greyhound Board is worth; the person who oversees its spend; what it is designated for; if it is performance linked; and his views on whether the allocation is value for money. [5282/13]
View answerBord na gCon is a commercial state body, established on 28 May 1958 under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. The Board has wide powers to regulate all aspects of greyhound racing in the Republic of Ireland.
The Board of Bord na gCon, comprising of seven members - a Chairman and six ordinary members, is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the organisation. Bord na gCon is required to act in accordance with it’s statutory obligations, the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and any other directives issued by Government or by my Department. The Board is obliged to produce the annual report and accounts of Bord na gCon in accordance with legislation, in addition the Chairman of Bord na gCon provides me with a separate comprehensive report covering the Group in accordance with the requirements set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. Officials from my Department meet with Bord na gCon bi-annually to consider issues of mutual interest. Bord na gCon is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. It also has an Internal Auditor and an Internal Audit Committee.
Bord na gCon has estimated approximately 10,500 people derive employment, directly and indirectly, from the greyhound industry in Ireland and the industry’s contribution to the economy is estimated to be in excess of €500m.
Government support for the horse and greyhound racing industries is provided under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund), which was established under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 (the Act). The Fund indirectly supports the greyhound breeding and training industry which generates very substantial economic activity and makes a vital contribution to the rural economy including farm incomes. The industry attracts significant inward investment into the country. The funding has also contributed significantly to an investment program which has delivered the improved facilities now available at greyhound tracks around Ireland. Bord na gCon received €11.26m from the Fund in 2012 and is due to receive €11m from the Fund in 2013. This represents 28% reduction since 2008.
BNG is funded, principally, by:
- a turnover charge on the on-course bookmaker betting;
- a percentage deduction from totalisator pools (BNG operates Tote facilities at all greyhound tracks in the State);
- gate receipts, programme sales and catering income;
- Exchequer funding (the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund).
BNG applies it’s income in the following ways:
- Organisation and administration of the industry, including a system of regulation;
- Operation of a national drug testing laboratory;
- Supplementing prize money at all levels of greyhound racing;
- Providing development loans and grants to greyhound tracks in order to enable them to improve their facilities;
- Advertising and marketing the industry on both a national and international level;
- Developing and improving greyhound stadiums nationwide.
