Greyhound funding faces scrutiny over fraud and welfare
The public accounts committee will question racing officials about whether substantial taxpayer backing can be justified. Thursday’s Leinster House hearing will also address falling attendances, unreliable ticket data and the care of retired dogs.
Almost €20 million in public funding for greyhound racing will come under scrutiny when the Committee of Public Accounts questions Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) about its finances, suspected fraud and animal welfare oversight.
The committee will examine the organisation’s 2025 financial statements at 10.30am on Thursday, 12 November, in Committee Room 3 at Leinster House. Its inquiry will also consider whether the industry can sustain itself financially.
RCÉ chief executive Tim Lucey and chairperson Patrick Flanagan will appear with senior officials. Representatives of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will also attend, while the Comptroller and Auditor General is a permanent witness to the committee.
RCÉ received €19.8 million in public funding in 2025, up from €19 million the previous year, alongside €1.6 million in contributions from owners and sponsors. Its total expenditure reached €20.8 million, including €8.1 million on prize money and more than €5 million on animal welfare and regulation.
The committee will also examine suspected fraud involving three greyhound stadiums. The Comptroller and Auditor General estimates the losses at approximately €60,000. An independent investigation into the circumstances was ongoing when the audit certificate was signed; RCÉ has confirmed that the matter was referred to An Garda Síochána and that it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Committee cathaoirleach Deputy John Brady said members would consider whether public funding was supporting the industry’s long-term sustainability, particularly amid declining attendances and concerns about the availability and reliability of ticket sales data.
He pointed to the Parliamentary Budget Office report, Ireland’s Costly Love Affair with Greyhounds, as raising important questions about the level of State support. “Public funding comes with public accountability. With almost €20 million going to Greyhound Racing Ireland in 2025, we need to understand whether that investment is justified and whether the industry has a sustainable future,” he said.
The committee’s agenda includes:
- Suspected fraud at racetracks.
- Declining attendance and unreliable ticket sales data that limits scrutiny.
- The Parliamentary Budget Office report on State support for greyhound racing.
- Prize money allocated from Exchequer funding.
- The viability of catering and hospitality income at racetracks.
- Welfare, traceability and care for current and retired greyhounds.