Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1518. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if greyhound racing will be permitted to continue to take place at level 5 of the national framework for living with Covid-19; the rationale for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32779/20]
View answerRásíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) 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. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Under S.I. No. 442 of 2020 Section 11 (2) (b) the holding of greyhound racing is permitted under Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with Covid-19.
Rásaíocht Con Éireann ( RCÉ) has informed my Department that it has a comprehensive Covid-19 response plan in place and adapts its approach according to government directives and public health advice.
At present, RCÉ is operating on a behind closed doors basis with all restaurant activity suspended. There is a strict ‘one person, one dog policy’ in place. The procedures that are in place balance the necessity to combat the spread of Covid-19 with the welfare needs of the greyhounds. It is a priority task at all tracks to ensure that the small number of attendees comply fully with all necessary Covid-19 protocols. Measures have been put in place to constantly reinforce the behaviours necessary to minimise any risks associated with Covid-19.
RCÉ has assured my Department that it has consistently operated in accordance with decisions of Government and general guidance regarding compliance with all measures necessary to combat the spread of Covid-19.
