Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

It is not all right. His argument would be fine if an identification regime was not already in place. That system goes back generations and greyhounds are subject to DNA profiling beyond any other breed. They also have tattooed ears and registration cards. If this regime was not in place I could understand the Minister's argument.

Microchips are being introduced in the UK because of the integrity and identification problems in that jurisdiction but that does not imply Ireland has the same history. The working group in which the Minister places so much faith unanimously agreed to exempt the greyhound industry from microchipping because it acknowledged the identification systems that already existed. He has shifted the goalposts quite a distance from that recommendation.

As Senator Cummins has noted, the Bill appears to lack a clear understanding of the breeding cycle of a greyhound bitch and the demand for successful racers. It will obliterate the Irish greyhound industry and its international reputation because we will end up exporting our best brood bitches and their litters will no longer be considered Irish racing dogs. It is a massive industry, although I an not sure the Minister acknowledges the benefits it brings to the country.