Dr. Seán Brady:

There is no need for reflection on Harold's Cross in my world. As Deputy Aylward outlined, we met the Dublin Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association in Naas. We laid out the picture to the association with absolute clarity that Harold's Cross would be sold and that the sale was needed to solve the debt problem. That was made very clear to the people at the meeting on that day.

Subsequently, having discussed it with the chairman, an offer was made to allow racing to continue at Harold's Cross until the end of the year. The Dublin Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association wanted that commitment in writing and would not take my word for it. We said that because of the bank, we could not issue a letter to anyone about the future. We communicated to the association that this was the case. The board met. There was the threat of a picket at Shelbourne Park the next Saturday night. The board discussed the matter and we then made a final offer to the Dublin Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association that if it would accept our word, we would guarantee it racing to the end of the year. The association did not accept our offer. It was made clear to the association that non-acceptance of this offer and continuing picketing of Shelbourne Park would lead to the closure of Harold's Cross. Looking back on it, there were things Bord na gCon could have done better but-----