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Horse and Greyhound Fund

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020

Tuesday, 28 July 2020

Questions (661)

Holly Cairns

Question:

661. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the welfare standards that will be used when funding the greyhound sector from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund; the way in which standards will be assessed; and the time period the industry will be given to reach same. [19156/20]

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Written answers

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 (BnG) is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 

The greyhound sector has undergone a series of reforms in recent times, including the enactment of the Greyhound Racing Act 2019. The Act strengthens the legal basis for the sector, including fortification of the integrity of the industry.  It also makes provision for a greyhound traceability system, which is being prioritised by BnG, and will enable every racing greyhound to be traced throughout its  life. 

In 2019, BnG introduced a Care and Welfare Scheme to address all aspects of greyhound care, this includes; incentivising rehoming in Ireland and abroad, granting aid to injured greyhounds, and the establishment of a separate “Greyhound Care Fund” comprising 50% of existing sponsorship, 10% of all admissions and restaurant packages and 5% of net Tote. Implementation of the Scheme has been impacted to a degree by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The welfare of greyhounds remains a priority for BnG and was a key consideration during the suspension of racing activity. Between 24th March and 8th June 2020, BnG implemented a Covid-19 greyhound care payment scheme of €2 per day in respect of each active greyhound.  

My Department met with the Board of BnG numerous times since June 2019 and has received assurances that the Board remains committed to the protection of the integrity of the greyhound industry and to promoting the welfare of greyhounds.  My Department is also assured that all necessary resources are being committed to these ends. All reported incidents of greyhound cruelty and neglect are investigated, and where breaches of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 are identified, appropriate action is taken.

Future financial support of the greyhound industry will entail a refocusing of funding towards welfare initiatives in the first instance, making welfare standards the centrepiece of the industry.

My Department and BnG sign an annual Performance and Oversight Agreement and my Department monitors the achievement of the goals and targets set out in that Agreement. BnG were instructed by my Department to apply a minimum of 10% of the total 2020 Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund to be spent on welfare and integrity.

Regular bilateral meetings are held at a senior level to discuss matters relating to governance, including policies, performance and funding of Bord na gCon.   

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