Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. The report is very comprehensive. The witnesses outlined a number of steps that are being taken by Bord na gCon as the regulator. It has been said that the RTÉ television programme, which I saw, caused considerable damage. While some of the information in it may not have been factual, it highlighted serious abuse of animals. None of us wants to see that. It was stated that there is a long tradition of greyhound racing in this country. We want to see it being run properly and animals being looked after. I welcome the statement, which covers many of the issues like traceability, care centres and the other steps that are being taken with regard to inspections. According to the statement, 576 inspections were carried out and more than 5,000 samples taken in 2019, which shows that Bord na gCon is doing significant work in this area.

Bord na gCon is a regulatory body that is funded by Government. From where else does it get funding? What is the number of staff in Bord na gCon? What does it see as its key role? I have the general gist of it but I would like more detail on that.

The confidential greyhound care line has led to some results. It was stated that 11 cases were investigated and closed. Were there any convictions or penalties imposed by Bord na gCon or the courts on the back of those? Ten cases are being investigated and three were referred to other authorities. Who are the other authorities? Regarding the files in seven cases that were investigated and closed, was it the case that there was nothing to see there and everything was okay or was there some kind of outcome in terms of what was required of the owners? The issues raised in the 31 cases were summarised. It was said that 11 reports referenced poor welfare conditions at greyhound premises. Could the witnesses explain this? What was found in those premises?

I very much welcome the inspections being carried out by Bord na gCon. They shows that the organisation is taking its role very seriously. I think 13 incidents of doping were mentioned. What is the figure for medication cases?