Ms Una Jansen:

As I mentioned in my opening statement, public perception has much to do with the problems that the racing industry is facing in Ireland at the moment. It is in Bord na gCon's interest to improve things. People will respond to that. Many people have a question mark in their minds over whether the industry is ethical or not. They wonder what happens to dogs after the track. If some reassurances were to be given and if the greyhound industry was to balance things out by giving more funding to rescue organisations and by putting in place a proper retired greyhound trust similar to that in operation in the United Kingdom, people’s concerns would be reduced a little. If the legislation is amended, these changes are implemented and the required measures put in place, it would ultimately benefit the industry both financially and in terms of getting rid of abuses such as drugging and the welfare issues.

Senator Mac Lochlainn’s interpretation of our stance is correct. We believe there is an opportunity to improve things in the greyhound industry.

Perhaps Deputy Martin Kenny could remind me of his question.