Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 November 2019
46. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether China and Pakistan are among the countries that do not meet welfare standards here; if he and the Irish Greyhound Board are opposed to direct or indirect exports to these countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48989/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon 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. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Bord na gCon continues to advise owners to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of greyhound welfare in its Code of Practice. I fully endorse this view.
The rules covering the movement of all breeds of dogs, including greyhounds, between EU Member States are currently set at a European level rather than as a national measure in isolation.
My Department does not certify exports to China or Pakistan.
Bord na gCon has informed me that potential solutions to the indirect export of greyhounds to unsuitable destinations have been have been discussed through the International Greyhound Welfare Forum which includes national and international welfare agencies. This may require any further legislative changes to be sponsored at a European level.
