At a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting, Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) came under scrutiny for its financial practices and breeding focus. The committee, reviewing GRI's financial statements, expressed concerns about the industry's emphasis on breeding over racing.
TD Neasa Hourigan says that 85% of UK racing greyhounds are bred in Ireland, questioning the need for €19 million in Irish taxpayer funding. GRI's financial review revealed inconsistencies in breeding numbers, suggesting a stronger emphasis on breeding for UK racing rather than domestic competition.
GRI's 2021 financials, presented by Interim CEO John Tuohey, showed a positive year with 1,384 race meetings and an operating surplus of €3.8 million. Key income sources included international co-mingling and media rights. Despite pandemic restrictions, races attracted over 158,000 attendees. Tuohey emphasized increased welfare spending, totaling €3.3 million, and the improvement in working capital deficit, turning a negative €1.4 million in 2020 to a positive balance.