Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
2102. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the welfare standards referenced in the Programme for Government from which future funding of the greyhound sector from the Horse and Greyhound Fund was said to be contingent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40857/22]
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 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. There is a strong commitment to improved animal welfare in this sector in the Programme for Government.
Animal welfare is central to this Department’s engagements with the greyhound sector and funding to Rásaíocht Con Éireann is contingent on animal welfare measures being implemented. Since 2021, this Department has ring fenced 10% of the RCÉ allocation from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund for welfare measures including integrity.
The new RCÉ Traceability System (RCÉTS), which is included as an action in Ireland's Welfare Strategy 2021-2025, is now operational and provides traceability for all microchipped racing greyhounds from 1st January 2021.
Ongoing implementation and development of the Rásaíocht Con Éireann Traceability System (RCÉTS) for racing greyhounds allows the whereabouts of a racing greyhound to be monitored by RCÉ.
This Department is committed to the continued strengthening of welfare standards in the greyhound industry, within the context of Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025. Funding of the sector is contingent on welfare standards being upheld and this is reflected in annual parameters set out by my officials in their liaison with RCÉ.
