Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I will cite an invitation that was given to all greyhound trainers on 17 September 2013. It spelled out what was wrong in the industry four years ago. According to it, people had been witness to the virtual collapse of the Irish greyhound industry in the preceding few years, with a decreasing tote, attendance level and dog pool evident. It asserts that the people administering the industry tried to dismiss the figures and that promises of a bright future appeared to lack credibility. Trainers up and down the country were feeling a financial pinch, it reads, with individual trainers frustrated at the IGB's apparent lack of direction. The reduction in spending on track maintenance was clear for all to see, as were the escalating levels of serious injuries at tracks coupled with malfunctioning equipment. According to the invitation, there appeared to be no transparency or accountability in the IGB as it limped from one crisis to the next. The main issue was the repayment of €25 million in 2016, which was growing closer on the horizon. This invitation shows that breeders and trainers saw these problems in the industry in 2013.

The trainers association held a meeting that night in September. Approximately 80 people attended. However, another meeting was held where 30 professional trainers were brought into a room on their own and the rest were locked out. It was stated at that meeting that the board had offered professional trainers a bonus of €10 for every dog they raced. This meeting appointed a chairman on the night, but no meeting has been held since.

When I asked Dr. Brady at our previous meeting about how important it was to meet stakeholders, he stated that a forum had been set up. However, that forum has not met for six months. This forms part of the problem with the industry. The board is not playing ball with stakeholders and those who matter, namely, the breeders and owners of dogs. It is not bringing stakeholders and people who have concerns along with it. The board seems to be aloof and not playing ball. Will Dr. Brady comment on what I have said?