Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2017
405. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the fact that all greyhound owners have to register with an organisation (details supplied) if they wish to enter their dogs in track races here, regardless of objections owners might have to blood sports and the fact that these registration fees go towards financing blood sports; and his plans to remedy this situation. [40359/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the competent authority with regard to the maintenance of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book. The objects of the ICC are set out in the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 and among these objects is "the promotion of the breeding of thoroughbred greyhounds (including maintenance of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book)”.
The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Bord na gCon, which is the statutory body with responsibility for the improvement and development of the greyhound industry, greyhound racing and coursing.
The ICC has been responsible for the Irish Greyhound Stud Book since 1923 and this was further reinforced by the enactment of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958. The Constitution of the Irish Coursing Club is set out in the 1958 Act.
The deputy should be aware that it is not a condition of registering a greyhound in the Irish Greyhound Stud Book that an owner participate in coursing or express an interest in coursing.
