241 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will support the action taken by Bord na gCon by suspending the transport of greyhounds to Spain.

I understand that Board na gCon has, of its own volition, decided to cease its agency activities in relation to the trade in greyhounds to Spain.

Under the EC Treaty all Member States are obliged to facilitate free movement of animals throughout the Community and it is not therefore open to me to take the action suggested by the Deputy. I have, however, written to my Spanish counterpart and conveyed to him the concerns expressed by various parties in relation to the treatment of greyhounds in Spain.