Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his presentation and contributions. I am quite conscious of the value that small breeders bring to rural communities and what the greyhound industry means to rural Ireland. I live in an area where every second person I know in the agriculture and farming sector in parts of North Kerry would also be breeding greyhounds, most of them do it at a loss. They do it because it is a way of life and is part of their tradition and culture. I would argue that they have maintained that industry for the common good. Obviously there is always the expectation that one will breed a derby winner or something like that with everything going right.

I agree entirely with Deputy Penrose when he spoke about integrity. I am not satisfied with the integrity of some of the carry on in the industry. I look forward to debating the proposed legislation on it. What sticks in my craw is that €80 million, of which €64 million goes to Horse Racing Ireland and €16 million goes to the more depressed side, the greyhound sector.

There are many people in the community listening to the contributions of members who take a very poor view of sections within the horse-racing sector. Some major trainers and horse owners pay no tax in the country. Coolmore Stud was exempt from stallion fees tax, but earning millions from stud fees. This concession was given to them by Charlie Haughey.