Greyhound Industry

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Ceisteanna (794)

Aidan Farrelly

Ceist:

794. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason it is necessary for the owners of non-coursing greyhounds to register their dogs at several different stages in the Irish Greyhound Stud Book held by the Irish Coursing Club (details supplied); his plans to amend the relevant legislation to remove this obligation as it pertains to the owners of non-coursing greyhounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3675/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the organisation charged with the role of Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book (IGSB) since 1923. The Stud Book records pedigrees, ownerships, breeding data and transfers of ownership of all greyhounds on the island of Ireland. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann.

The objectives of the ICC are set out in the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 and among these objectives is "the promotion of the breeding of thoroughbred greyhounds (including maintenance of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book)” and it also states that “The Irish Coursing Club (in this Constitution referred to as the Club) shall be the controlling authority over matters relating to the breeding (including registration and identification) of thoroughbred greyhounds”

I have no plans to change the legislation.