I propose to take Questions Nos. 643 and 645 together.
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.
With regard to the export of greyhounds, rules covering the movement of all breeds of dogs, including greyhounds, between EU Member States are set at European level.
Greyhounds being moved from Ireland require veterinary animal health certification. This certification also applies to other breeds of dog, as well as to other animals.
My Department does not specifically collect information on the breed of dog being certified for movement from Ireland, and therefore figures of greyhound movements are not available. My Department does not have or hold information on animals once they move outside of Ireland.
Rásaíocht Con Éireann has informed my Department that RCÉ is committed to international collaboration with regulators in other jurisdictions to ensure that high welfare standards are maintained. RCÉ remains committed to the protection of the integrity of the greyhound industry and to promoting the welfare of greyhounds, and that all necessary resources are being committed to these ends.