Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----but I thought it was a good opportunity to explain what we are doing in that respect. I believe there will be some live cattle export trade early in the new year and that will be a good development, but I want to reassure people that we are also being rigorous in terms of the welfare element.

A specific issue arose about how greyhounds may be treated in China. I have been involved in launching and supporting a project to develop horse racing in China which will involve Irish horses. Some top Irish horses will go there and will be part of a growing breeding network within China. We will ensure that welfare concerns are part of that discussion as well as the commercial opportunities for the thoroughbred breeding industry here and for training in Ireland. I have looked at the site where the new infrastructure will be built and have spoken to the people involved. I am satisfied that the welfare of the breeding mares that go to China will be looked after. We have an obligation to ensure that is the case. People would be very uncomfortable if we did not do that. It is one thing sending an animal for slaughter to a country and another to send an animal to a country for the remainder of its lifetime for breeding purposes and so on. Ireland is seen as a country that sets pretty high standards in animal welfare and that is one of the reasons people in other countries come to Ireland to learn from what we have achieved, particularly regarding thoroughbreds. People's concerns about animal welfare can be addressed and are being addressed by the Department.