Rásaíocht Con Éireann is a commercial State body. Its role is chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. The allocation from the horse and greyhound fund for Rásaíocht Con Éireann is €18.2 million this year. Since 2020, my Department has ring-fenced 10% of the fund allocation to Rásaíocht Con Éireann for welfare, including integrity. The Board of Rásaíocht Con Éireann has indicated that its priorities include the continued expansion of the care and welfare initiatives, which include a range of measures.
Rásaíocht Con Éireann also undertakes activity in the areas of regulatory, integrity and laboratory functions. This includes activity on welfare inspections and investigations, testing regimes, veterinary services and financial support for the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust and contributions to private rehoming agencies. A new traceability system for racing greyhounds has been launched, known as the Rásaíocht Con Éireann traceability system. It came into effect in January 2021. Data from the system at the end of March 2023 indicates 38,858 greyhounds were subject to traceability.
Rásaíocht Con Éireann has introduced a range of care and welfare initiatives, which include the establishment of a separate greyhound care fund and other measures. Last year, it allocated €3.6 million in total to traceability, care and welfare matters. That compares with €3.3 million in 2021, an increase of more than 10%.
Rásaíocht Con Éireann is also required to provide a quarterly update on care and welfare to my Department. Welfare and integrity remain a standing item at all liaison meetings.