I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.
I am aware of recent media reports alleging mistreatment of dogs including greyhounds in China. Nine greyhounds were exported from Ireland to that destination earlier this year. There is no evidence to suggest that any of these greyhounds were mistreated. However, on foot of these exports, officials of my Department met with Bord na gCon, the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) and the welfare members of the International Greyhound Forum (represented by the ISPCA and the Dogs Trust) to consider all the issues surrounding the export of greyhounds. IGB regulates the greyhound industry in the Republic of Ireland and has advised all persons involved in the export of greyhounds to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of care and management as defined in the IGB's Code of Practice for the welfare of greyhounds. I strongly endorse this view.