Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach. I thank him for allowing me to speak at this committee and I wish him the best in his role as Chairman. I also wish the Minister well as it is my first occasion to engage with him. I thank the Department and the Government for continuing to support what is a very valuable industry in rural Ireland.

I know that the previous speaker, Deputy Cairns, is from rural Ireland but it is a different rural Ireland from the one that I grew up in. When I grew up, there were greyhounds in the neighbouring farmer’s yard, they were well looked after, like all the other animals, and it was an add-on and part of an industry of very mixed farms in south Tipperary, west Waterford and east Limerick. It has diminished significantly but nonetheless the breeders, many of whom I know, look after the animals spectacularly. In referring to that documentary, much of it was age-old film and sensationalism that was damaging to the industry. Of all the people that I know, in the coursing clubs and who go to the greyhound meetings, and as the Chairman himself knows, in Thurles, Clonmel, Youghal and Limerick raise significant money for schools, sick children and different causes and charities at events such as nights at the dogs and at the racetracks. It is part of our culture and heritage. I look forward to debating the issue with my colleagues on the Social Democrat motion tomorrow. Do we want to have a wasteland in agriculture? It is going through a tough enough time at the moment. I have no truck with anybody who seeks to neglect animals but every horse and dog owner has to have stables or kennels, pay veterinarian fees, buy tackle and support all of the additional associated industries. This is all paid for out of their own pockets, income that they already pay tax upon from their jobs, or whatever, as farmers. That is spent in the economy and supported. I do not know what planet people are on to try to undermine, attack and erode this very successful business. It is shocking and it is going on all of the time.

We have great prowess in the horseracing industry in Tipperary. I will not mention any names but we are recognised worldwide. Somebody mentioned that 40,000 jobs were involved in both industries. How will those jobs be replaced? Are the Social Democrats, who come up with these motions, or the protesters, going to provide jobs and incomes? I asked the Minister that question and I am glad that he is supporting the industry.

I certainly ask him to examine Bord na gCon to ensure that the right people are on the board who understand the industry and are involved on the ground, not high flyers and solicitors. The problem with many boards is that the people who are on them are not properly equipped to understand the industry and it is very important that would be done. I support this industry.

Many of these tracks are run by voluntary committees. There are issues. People give their time freely to support the industry and, as I said, there is a phenomenal amount of fundraising and support for different causes. I ask the Minister to continue to give the funding but to ensure that there is transparency. Any welfare issues have to be weeded out as there is no room for any of those people, good or bad. We have the best of trainers who care for the animals and they resent being accused of animal cruelty and of being cheats.

I have one other issue. Perhaps it is the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, who issued the instruction to release all the hares that were held for the coursing this year.