Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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I move amendment No. 2:

In page 12, between lines 24 and 25, to insert the following:

“(a) one or more shall be a representative of authorised private greyhound tracks,

(b) one or more shall be a representative of greyhound owners and breeders,

(c) one or more shall be a representative of public greyhound trainers,

(d) one or more shall be a representative of private greyhound trainers,”.

This amendment proposes that various groups be guaranteed representation on the board. Horse Racing Ireland has constituted its board in such a manner. It would be to the benefit of the industry if different groups had a voice at board level.

As already stated, I am a board member of a private track. At times, private tracks feel like they are being ignored by Bord na gCon and that they need to have a voice on it to ensure that they get fair play. Owners and breeders have their own interests and would fight their corner on the board as well. Without owners and breeders, we have no industry. They would like to have a representative at the table. After the much-publicised sale of Harold's Cross stadium, there has been a greater emphasis on prize money and increasing the profitability of owners and breeders.

They are of the view that having their own man on the board would help their cause.

While public and private greyhound trainers have a significant shared agenda, they would be coming at this from different commercial places. Public trainers are full-time engaged in the business and they would have their own owners and agenda issues. The business is more of a hobby for private trainers and they probably have a lower grade of dog, although that might not universally be the case. Even today, representations were made to me that private trainers are finding it increasingly difficult to get regular racing for their dogs. That is just one instance where they believe they do not have enough of a voice at the board.

The board membership is being increased from six to eight under the provisions of this Bill. That presents an opportunity to have a broad spectrum of representation by the various stakeholders in the industry who would be able to voice their opinions at the board table. Such a provision is working well in Horse Racing Ireland, where a cross-section of stakeholders, ranging from stable lads to trainers to breeders to various sectors of the horse racing industry, are well represented. An opportunity is presented for us to do the same for the greyhound industry. That is the reason I have put forward this amendment.