John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

Irrespective of whom one appoints, that person will have supporters and detractors. It is no different in this case. The individual in question has been a member of a board that has been eminently successful. Bord na gCon has invested a considerable amount of money in building up its facilities and the integrity of the sport as well as increasing prize money over the past few years. We are seeing record attendances, prize money and sponsorship along with a record number of dogs in training. Given all the circumstances, I would have expected Deputy Wall to congratulate Bord na gCon on its great success. Young people are flocking to greyhound race meetings right across the country. The greyhound racing fund set up under the 2001 legislation is proving a great success. We have vibrant plans for the industry at several locations in the future.

The individual is a member of a board that has been greatly successful. There was no restriction on that person's appointment. It falls to me as Minister to make a decision in these matters. I did so in good faith and nobody has brought forward anything to suggest there was any legal impediment to the individual's participation on the board.

See this speech in context