Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2015
143. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding greyhounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28128/15]
View answerBord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. It has specific powers conferred on it by the Greyhound Industry (Racing) Regulations 2007, S.I. 302 of 2007, which set out the detailed rules under which greyhound racing is conducted. In July 2014 my Department published the findings from a study, commissioned by my Department and conducted by Indecon into ‘Certain matters relating to Bord na gCon’. Indecon in accordance with its Terms of Reference considered the area of regulation and made a number of recommendations in this regard. The response of Bord na gCon to the Indecon report, which sets out a programme of action and a timeline for delivery, can be found on the Bord na gCon website.
With regard to regulatory reform, Bord na gCon has carried out an extensive review of procedures for regulatory control with many new standard operating procedures either finalised or close to finalisation dealing with sampling for prohibited substances, laboratory aspects, track maintenance, racetrack security and enforcement of penalties. The work of an international expert in reviewing Bord na gCon’s policy in anti-doping and medication control is nearing conclusion. This may lead to the establishment of an advisory scientific group, amendments to legislation and a modification of practices and policies as appropriate. The regime for testing for prohibited substances is being strengthened, and testing has commenced at trials.
In addition, I understand that more targeted testing on a risk analysis basis has commenced. Bord na gCon has also initiated a process to introduce mandatory penalties, including exclusion orders and disqualification orders, for breaches of regulations.
It is my firm belief that the future of the greyhound industry is dependent on the stakeholders having trust and confidence in the industry, and this is contingent on the industry having the highest standards of integrity founded on strong regulatory systems. The Board and the Executive of Bord na gCon have assured me that they share my view and are doing their utmost to enhance the regulatory systems underpinning the industry to ensure that they are effective and fit-for-purpose.
