Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
463. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether there are sufficient checks in place to ensure animal welfare standards are adhered to in the greyhound industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29448/26]
View answerRásaíocht 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.
There is a strong commitment to improved animal welfare in the Greyhound Racing sector in the Programme for Government. Government support is directly contingent on RCÉ annually guaranteeing that welfare standards are strictly upheld.
The ongoing welfare and integrity initiatives operated by the industry are pivotal. The work of RCÉ underscores this commitment, with RCE informing my Department that it conducted 2,636 inspections in the past year alone. This is the highest annual number of inspections on record. Inspections are both random and targeted.
In 2025, arising from 208 investigations, Welfare Officers issued 11 Fixed Payment Notices and served 10 Welfare Notices. The industry maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any breaches, demonstrating its commitment to the highest standards.
RCÉ also operate a confidential phone line to enable reports of welfare breaches to be reported for investigation by relevant agencies. In 2025, 18 calls were received relating to greyhound welfare matters which resulted in 6 investigations by Welfare Officers.
RCÉ provides a quarterly update on Care and Welfare to my Department.
