John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I deeply regret the fact that extracts from the Dalton report were published in some newspapers. I assure the House that neither I nor any officials in my Department were involved in any of the leaks concerned, which I deplore. While it is not for me to make a judgment as to the nature of the leaks, inasmuch as I requested people to desist from commenting on the contents of the report, I also deplore the fact that parts of it were leaked.

Having said that, I acknowledge the work of officials in my Department with whom I have had the privilege of working for four years. They are people of the highest integrity. There is no need for me to act as an apologist for them as their work speaks for itself. I was involved with them in the renewal of the horse and greyhound racing fund when we increased it to a total of €550 million until the end of 2008. Given that the greyhound industry is entitled to one fifth of this amount, it will be clear that my commitment and that of officials in my Department to the greyhound industry has been proven in tangible form.

I repeat that I regret that leaks took place and people sought to comment prior to due process being completed. If the advice I issued at the outset of this process had been adhered to, we would all be in a much better position today.

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