Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think we have given the matter a fair hearing. I hope everybody feels that way and that this engagement was worth waiting for. I am of the view that we are at the start of something and I thank all the witnesses and the members for their contributions and engagements.

The greyhound Bill may or may not be concluded by the end of the term of this Dáil. There will be another committee. This forum is useful from the point of view of bringing issues out into the open. Until they are discussed, they cannot be addressed. It is important that we facilitate better understanding on all sides. I am conscious of the fact that there may be other interested groups which may seek to come before the committee and we will have to facilitate them once their bona fides have been established. I make that point because there are witnesses from organisations that were here previously. We cannot be seen to prejudice anybody.

I would never claim that Horse Racing Ireland (Amendment) Bill is perfect but it does offer a structure that allows for engagement by all stakeholder through its committee and board structures.

It might not be the perfect model between promotion and integrity, but it certainly offers an option and a model to work from. We can learn from mistakes and take on board what the specific needs of the greyhound industry are. We have learned quite a lot today and can identify some of the key issues, which include finance and doping. It all boils down to reputation and confidence and without communication, dialogue and proper regulation and integrity functions, one will not achieve them. If people do not have confidence in an industry, they will not support it. They could be owners, breeders, punters or the organisers of a charity who want to bring people out for a night's entertainment and know that they can have a honest punt and that if they lose, they lose on a level playing pitch. It all boils down to the person who has no interest in the sector other than this. That is what we are seeking to achieve.

I again thank everybody for his or her endurance. At almost four hours, it has been an endurance test.