Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending and for the presentation. They have clearly acknowledged the challenges and the hit the sector took as a result of the "Prime Time" programme. The sector is very important nationally and, in particular, to some of our rural areas. In order for it to thrive, it is important it maintains public support and, for it to be successful into the future, a lot will depend on people attending and participating in greyhound racing. There is no doubt the participation level has been challenged by what has come to pass. I know Bord na gCon is very much aware of this and is taking the measures required to restore public confidence in the sector, and we would certainly be supportive of it in that regard. However, it is very important that job is thought through very thoroughly and that the issues which were raised in regard to traceability and welfare are fully addressed in a verifiable way that can be stood over. In the future, there is no doubt there will be a spotlight on this and that the systems the board put in place will be tested, rightly so. They have to be able to stand up to that scrutiny, which is essential from a public confidence point of view and, most of all, from a greyhound welfare point of view.

The witnesses might address one question that has been coming to us from members of the public, that is, the categorisation of greyhounds as livestock as opposed to as pets. What are the implications and considerations around that?