Rásaíocht 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.
RCÉ undertook a detailed procurement process through the e-tenders process in respect of seeking expressions of interest for operation of Care Centres. The request for tender included a detailed specification setting out the criteria for assessment of any expressions of interest.
RCÉ received 17 submissions and following a detailed evaluation in accordance with the criteria of the procurement process, a panel of approved applicants was recommended and approved by the Board of Rásaíocht Con Éireann. All greyhounds entering into the care centre are approved in advance by Rásaíocht Con Éireann. Rásaíocht Con Éireann has ongoing contact with the operator of the care centre and there are ongoing inspections and visits of the facility. Rásaíocht Con Éireann is fully satisfied with the operation to date and the quality of service being provided.
Separately, RCÉ has updated its Code of Practice for the Welfare of the Greyhound and in accordance with the Welfare of Greyhounds Act, 2011, this draft Code was placed on public display with public submissions being received up to end November 2020. The Code will be brought to the Board of Rásaíocht Con Éireann for approval. It is expected that all operating in the greyhound community and in any way involved in the care and welfare of greyhounds will abide by the provisions of the Code of Practice.
