Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Indecon report, which is advisory, contains recommendations with respect to the industry. It has not been followed as a bible by the board up to now, therefore, in terms of the composition of the board, it does not have a prescribing authority over this committee. The board composition that members consider to be right should be decided here.

To say that the mistakes made in the past were due to either dog owners or representatives of the tracks who were on the board is a very misleading statement. Mistakes were made regarding Limerick track but going back over that will not solve much because that is fairly historic. To say that was because the board was composed of people who had an interest in the greyhound industry is a misleading statement.

I refer again to Horse Racing Ireland, where stakeholders ranging from stable lads to trainers to breeders are represented on its board. Assertions are not being made that because those stakeholders are represented on that board it is carrying out its duties in a manner that is not for the benefit of the industry. If we neglect to have stakeholders on this board, we will have a board that will quickly lose touch with the realities on the ground. I have no objection to a veterinary expert or a marketing expert being on the board, as that would represent a very good balance.

This Bill recommends that eight people would be on the board. It is a relatively small board but without representatives of greyhound owners, trainers and of the private tracks being assured seats at the table, those stakeholders could easily find their voices would not be heard. If one talks to people at the tracks, they will say that they believe their voices are not been heard. This Bill will frame the industry for the next 20 to 25 years and, hopefully, it will drive forward the industry. We would be acting wrongly if we do not allow stakeholders to have a voice on the board. Stakeholders will resent it if we put forward a broad that is not representative of the industry. The people who are working in the industry and making a living out of it are the people who most want to get it moving forward and progressing. I disagree with the Minister of State in that respect and I will be pressing this amendment.