Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
679. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhound care centres funded following the issuing of a tender (details supplied); the location of these centres; the details of the ownership and management of these centres; the number of greyhounds being cared for at these centres; his views on the adequacy of the care provided at these centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43382/20]
View answerRásaíocht 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 procurement process through the e-tenders process in 2019 seeking expressions of interest for the provision of Care Centres. A total of 17 submissions were received and a contract was awarded to the submission ranked first in terms of overall assessment.
This contract came into effect in July 2020 and the centre located near Thurles, Co Tipperary is fully operational since October 2020. The centre can accommodate 18 greyhounds and operates as a half-way house between a greyhound ending its racing career and its forever home. Whilst in the centre, the dog is socialised so as to become familiar with a domestic environment, other animals etc. Greyhounds are rehomed from the centre to suitable forever homes.
RCÉ has regular engagement with the operator of the centre and is fully satisfied that the quality of care and overall facilities are of a high standard.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, RCÉ had entered into negotiations with the party ranked second following overall assessment. Contracts were not entered into at that point due to pandemic related restrictions. RCÉ intends to re-engage with this party with a view to entering into a contract for a second care centre.
In addition to Care Centres, RCÉ operates foster care arrangements with a number of parties to provide short-term care for greyhounds pending rehoming.
