Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:488. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28071/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 4 October 2016
Ceisteanna (488)
Freagraí scríofa
In October 2014 Bord na gCon (BnG) submitted an action plan to my department, with timelines for implementing the 27 recommendations in the Indecon Report. This report dealt with dealing with governance, finance, regulation and welfare. This action plan is published on the BnG website.
I am committed to implementing the Indecon recommendations and my Department has established processes to monitor BnG's progress in this regard.
I will shortly be bringing forward the heads of a Greyhound Amendment Bill to deal with issues relating to governance, regulation and enforcement. In the meantime a number of significant steps have already been taken.
Appointments to the board have been made through the Public Appointments Service process, and individuals with skill sets specifically identified by Indecon have been appointed. Bord na gCon is working to improve its financial position and reduce its borrowings over time through a combination of actions, including the disposal of assets, the calibration of race meetings at poorly performing stadia, the reconfiguration of its hospitality services and the development of new products.
With regard to regulation, I am advised by Bord na gCon that it has carried out an extensive review of procedures for regulatory control. I understand that many new operating procedures have been finalised or are close to finalisation. New secondary legislation is now in place requiring the publication of adverse analytical findings from greyhounds tested for prohibited substances after 1st October 2015. Greyhounds testing positive for these substances will be banned from racing until a further negative test result is obtained. The findings of cases initiated after that date which come before the Control Committee and the Control Appeals Committee will be published, as will the reasons for the decision. In addition, a Scientific Committee on Doping and Medication Control was established to advise on these matters. I understand its report was published in July of this year and is available on the BnG website.
The power to take samples at the licensed premises of industry participants is being augmented and an intelligence led testing regime is being developed and rolled out. Furthermore, BnG is developing a collaborative strategy with other agencies, in so far as legislation permits, to ensure intelligence led mechanisms are in place with other agencies to make the best use of scarce resources in this area of risk for the industry.
BnG has commenced the process of strengthening the sanctions for animal cruelty and has launched its first prosecution under the legislation for failure to comply with a welfare notice. An on-line resource centre has been launched for inter alia the future publication of welfare information and notices as appropriate. A process has been commenced whereby BnG regulations will require that records are kept of all medication administered to greyhounds.
On the question of financial targets, it is the case that the BNG operating environment is difficult. Information relating to key performance indicators such as tote receipts, attendance figures, prize money etc. is contained in BnG's annual accounts which are published. In addition, the Indecon Report made a number of recommendations intended to improve the financial situation of BNG and its implementation is being carefully monitored by my department.