Vol. 396 No. 9
89 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if transactions are carried out through Bord na gCon with persons who purchase greyhounds for the Spanish market; the number of such transactions carried out by Bord na gCon with agents or others concerned with the export of dogs to Spain; and if he will outline the statistics in such transactions for each year from 1985 to date.
This is an internal matter for Bord na gCon.
90 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he is satisfied that greyhounds exported to Spain are exported under the highest standard of transport; if he is satisfied that conditions in Spain for racing such dogs are up to the proper international standards of animal care; the steps he is taking to ensure that proper standards of transport and kennelling are adhered to; if he has received any complaints regarding abuses to dogs which are taken to Spain from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
91 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, in relation to the large number of greyhounds exported, especially those which are exported to Spain, if any of these dogs have been used in animal research; if investigations by his Department have taken place into such abuse; if he has taken precautions to ensure such abuse does not occur; if so, the nature of such precautions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 91 together.
I have been advised by Bord na gCon that the standards of transport under which greyhounds are exported to Spain and the conditions under which such dogs are raced and housed there are satisfactory. The board has no evidence that any of these dogs have been used in animal research.
I have no complaints at present in relation to these matters and I am satisfied that Bord na gCon, to whom any instances of abuse should be reported, is monitoring the situation effectively.
