Minister of State says no room in greyhound industry for lawbreakers

There is no room in the greyhound industry for anybody breaking the law, Minister of State for Agriculture Tom Hayes told the Dáil.

“We will do everything possible and, if anybody is involved in drugs, they will be dealt with, as they have no place in the industry,’’ he said. “We want a clean sport.’’

Mr Hayes said the industry was subsidised by the taxpayer in a major way and, as Minister responsible, he had sent out a clear signal that he wanted it fully regulated.

He was replying in the Dáil to Independent TD Mick Wallace, who said while many people were very passionate about working with greyhounds in different facets, there was a serious problem in the industry.

The 2014 Indecon report had stated it was unfit for purpose.

“I am aware some changes have been made recently and some new people have been put in place to deal with the drug problem which is haunting the sport,’’ Mr Wallace said.

“Unless we get seriously improved regulation, it will be hard to restore the reputation of greyhound racing.’’

Mr Hayes replied that the control, administration and regulation of greyhound racing was the responsibility of Bord na gCon under the Greyhound Industry Acts 1958 and 1993.

Two statutory committees, the Control Committee and the Control Appeals Committee, are central to the process.