asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether, in view of the dissatisfaction among greyhound owners at the regulations made by Bord na gCon altering the qualifying time and at the increased expense involved on owners by this change, he will take steps to have this particular regulation quashed forthwith, if necessary by introducing legislation.

Under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 the making of such regulations is a function of Bord na gCon. I do not propose to intervene in the matter.

5.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will take steps, if necessary by introducing legislation, to ensure that all greyhounds purchased by Bord na gCon are purchased through public auction.

The purchase of greyhounds by Bord na gCon is a matter for Bord na gCon itself. I do not propose to intervene in the matter on the lines suggested by the Deputy.

6.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the amount given for stake money to owners of greyhound race tracks by Bord na gCon in each of the past three years.

7.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the total amount collected by Bord na gCon by levy from bookmakers in each of the last three years.

8.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the amount contributed to the improvement of greyhound tracks by Bord na gCon in each of the last three years.

As the replies to Questions Nos. 6, 7 and 8 are in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to have them circulated with the Official Report.

Following is the statement: