13. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider decoupling funding for greyhound and horseracing industries; if he will commission a report on the economic viability of the greyhound racing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52289/26]

Sentiment score: 0.01

Public funding should be earned through transparency, and given the evidence on welfare, declining attendance and serious questions about the industry's economic case, that transparency is clearly lacking. The figures repeatedly cited by Government that greyhound racing contributes €132 million annually are at best unclear, and at worst, misleading. The figure includes hare coursing, which Government states is now said to account for €70 million. Presenting them together creates confusion and inflates the value of the greyhound industry itself. We need clarity. What does the greyhound racing industry bring in on its own, what does it actually contribute, what does it cost the State each year and how exactly are those figures being calculated? The lack of transparency is mirrored in welfare outcomes. Of the 12,766 greyhounds born between 2021 and 2024 that are no longer racing or trialling and remain on this island, 66% of those are dead and only 22% have been rehomed. For every dog homed, three are dead. There is also the hidden cost of the volunteers across this State that are rescuing and rehoming these dogs. How many thousands of unpaid hours is this, and where is that accounted for?

Sentiment score: -0.11

We have heard over and over about where the funding is going, the measures in place and the traceability system but I would like to focus on whether the level of public spending is justified by clear independent evidence. At present, I do not see that is, with over €20 million allocated each year on the basis of unclear figures and an economic case that does not stand up to proper scrutiny. The Minister mentioned the Jim Power report. That report is now outdated and methodologically flawed, which only reinforces the concern. The problem is compounded by the fact greyhound racing figures are embedded within the wider horse racing structure, making genuine scrutiny difficult. At a time when the public expects strong governance and real transparency, I do not feel this is good enough. It comes down to the very straightforward point that if the funding is justified, how can we prove it? Will the Aire commit to commissioning an independent report on the true cost and value of this industry?

Sentiment score: 0.24