Mr. Denis Healy:

I do not have the facts but I am aware that we have given substantial amounts of money over the past two or three years to five, six or seven organisations that I could name. Substantial funding has been given, twice a year, towards acknowledging the fact that these organisations rehome greyhounds. We are delighted that they do that and we would certainly be in a poorer position if they did not do so. We are acknowledging those groups. Some of that funding was in the form of individual cheques in the amount of €5,000 which is not insubstantial. We have also provided funding towards the neutering, castrating or spaying, and vaccination of greyhounds to get them ready for a new home. Funding of up to €130 is available in each such case. Whether to increase that amount is currently under consideration because we are aware that the fees veterinarians charge are putting pressure on those organisations. We acknowledge what they do.