Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
677. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to ensure the greyhound traceability system promised in the programme for Government is rapidly rolled out; his views on whether this system will account for all greyhounds born here each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43379/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRásaíocht 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 Irish Coursing Club (ICC) has been the keeper for the Irish Greyhound Stud Book since 1923.
The registering of any greyhound currently lies with the ICC as the keepers of the Irish Stud Book. The function of the ICC is provided for in legislation and all greyhounds regardless of their future involvement in any activity must be registered by way of registration of the litter with the ICC.
RCÉ is mandated with the responsibility for greyhound racing and racing greyhounds. The traceability system being devised by RCÉ will track racing greyhounds from birth through key life stages up to retirement/rehoming. Where a greyhound is presented for racing, the greyhound will be tracked on the traceability system through all life stages including birth, microchipping, registration, racing career, changes of ownership/trainer, location, export, retirement and end of life.
RCÉ will receive a data feed from the ICC in relation to racing greyhounds that have been microchipped under the microchipping regulations. Microchipping of a greyhound is a mandatory requirement. This data feed will capture details of location, ownership, pedigree, sex and whelp date.
