Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have two racetracks in my constituency, one privately owned and one not. My family raised greyhounds when I was growing up so I have a grá for it. I felt a little bit annoyed listening to the opening statements of Ms Larkin and Mr. Meaney. Those who run the racetracks, who train and own dogs, work very hard to keep the industry going, to keep it competitive and preserve it as a form of entertainment for others but the opening statements we heard today were a little vague and there was nothing in them. As the Vice Chairman said, some €14.8 million of taxpayers' money has been allocated but Ms Larkin said a key thing to regenerate the industry was to increase the number of dog owners, breeders and trainers. She said the extra money that had been allocated would go into prize money and additional industry support at grassroots levels and that there would be a serious attempt to put the industry on a sound footing within the resources available. She also said she would strive to create an industry model which was fit for purpose and sustainable. She said she was looking at exploring other options but that is all very hazy and fluffy and there is nothing concrete in it. Can Ms Larkin give me some examples of what she means by "additional industry supports at grassroots levels"?

Mr. Meaney said a lot was happening at board level, the benefits of which may not be immediately apparent but which will have a significant impact in the medium and long term. What does that mean? They are just words and there is nothing concrete in that statement. I do not mean to be hard but I would like the people listening to be able to know what it means.