Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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928. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for allowing greyhound racing to continue when hare coursing has correctly ceased during level 5 restrictions; the further reason for allowing an activity to continue in a confined space with persons travelling from around the country to various stadiums which is considered unsafe given the unprecedented high level of Covid-19 infections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5160/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Rásíocht 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. 

Under S.I. No. 29 of 2021, the holding of greyhound racing is permitted under Level 5 of the National Framework for Living with Covid-19.  RCÉ is operating on a behind closed doors basis with all restaurant activity suspended. There is a strict ‘one person, one dog policy’ in place.

RCÉ has informed my Department that it has a comprehensive Covid-19 response plan in place and adapts its approach according to government directives and public health advice.  RCÉ has assured my Department that it has consistently operated in accordance with decisions of Government and general guidance regarding compliance with all measures necessary to combat the spread of Covid-19.