Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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There has to be recognition of the large efforts to rehome dogs by the greyhound industry especially. It has improved dramatically in recent years. When driving around the city now we often see a lot of greyhounds being walked as pets. They have to try to find homes for some of these greyhounds overseas also and this brings its own expense. My understanding is that Australia has started to target getting the dogs into the United States. Getting homes for greyhounds is proving difficult. It requires a good bit of investment. The board must be commended on the sea change there has been with regard to rehoming dogs and the afterlife of dogs when their racing career is over.

Recently the committee heard a presentation from the Irish Harness Racing Association. I notice the gambling Bill is being discussed as we speak. At that meeting the Irish Harness Racing Association strongly felt it should be able to get a tote licence as result of the Gambling Regulation Bill. It operated a couple of meetings in conjunction with the French pari-mutuel and the figures it gave were very impressive. Where does the Minister see harness racing? Does he see a track being established? Does he see a tote licence being issued as a result of the Gambling Regulation Bill?