Pat Buckley
Question:644. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reopen the greyhound industry as part of the phasing out of the Covid-19 lockdown (details supplied). [7645/20]
View answerWednesday, 27 May 2020
Questions (644, 655, 656)
Seán Sherlock
Question:655. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it will be permitted to allow greyhound racing again under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. [7485/20]
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Michael Healy-Rae
Question:656. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding the reopening of the greyhound industry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7491/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 644, 655 and 656 together.
Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Under the Government's Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, it is currently envisaged that greyhound racing will recommence in stage 3 of the process which starts on 29th June 2020.
On publishing the Roadmap for the Reopening of Society and Business, the Government expressed a willingness to engage and consult with sectors on possible changes to the timings set out in the plan.
My Department will continue to liaise with all sectors under its remit including Bord na gCon to examine if any changes are possible, bearing in mind the pre-eminence of the protection of public health.
Bord na gCon is fully engaged with my Department officials on this matter.