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Greyhound Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020

Tuesday, 10 November 2020

Ceisteanna (831)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

831. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which funding for Rásíocht Con Éireann will be dependent on welfare standards; the welfare standards that will be used; the way in which the standards will be tracked and evaluated; the timeline that applies to the evaluation of standards for the purpose of funding certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35447/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) 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. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The future of the industry is dependent on a strong governance platform and on the industry having the highest standards of integrity and welfare founded on a strong regulatory system.

Provisions in the Greyhound Racing Act 2019 will make a real difference. This Act strengthens the legislative basis for the industry, with a view to fortifying the integrity of the greyhound racing sector and improving provision for greyhound traceability. The Act will improve the governance of Rásíocht Con Éireann, strengthen regulatory controls in the industry, modernise sanctions and improve integrity within the sector.

The sections of the Act commenced on the 1st October 2020 signal a new era for greyhound racing. They facilitate the Board in focusing on its priority objective of achieving the highest standards of care and welfare of greyhounds. The Greyhound Racing Act of 2019 when fully implemented, will enable RCÉ to ensure the important heritage associated with greyhound racing in Ireland can continue under the appropriate rules and regulations.

Animal welfare issues are central to this Department’s engagements with the greyhound sector and funding is contingent on animal welfare measures being implemented. This Department ring fenced 10% of the Fund allocation to RCÉ in 2020 for welfare initiatives, and will implement similar criteria for funding in 2021. A major expansion of the overall care and welfare programme in RCÉ is in progress. RCÉ has introduced a range of care and welfare initiatives which include the following measures;

- The progression of the provisions of the Greyhound Racing Act 2019 to inter alia devise a traceability model to enable tracing of racing greyhounds throughout their lives. RCÉ tendered for the establishment of a traceability system for racing greyhounds in early 2020. It is expected that the traceability system will be delivered to RCÉ during Quarter 4 in 2020.

- Incentivising rehoming of greyhounds in Ireland through additional supports through the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust, (established and operated by RCÉ).

- The establishment of a separate “Greyhound Care Fund” and the opening of Care Centres for retired greyhounds while they await rehomimg.

The welfare of greyhounds remains a priority for RCÉ and was a key consideration during the suspension of racing activity. Between 24th March and 8th June 2020, RCÉ implemented a Covid-19 greyhound care payment scheme of €2 per day in respect of each active greyhound.

My Department has received assurances that the Board remains committed to the protection of the integrity of the greyhound industry and to promoting the welfare of greyhounds. My Department is also assured that all necessary resources are being committed to these ends. All reported incidents of greyhound cruelty and neglect are investigated, and where breaches of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 are identified, appropriate action is taken.

Regular bilateral meetings are held at a senior level to discuss matters relating to governance, including policies, performance and funding of RCÉ.

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