Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

I compliment my Kerry colleague for introducing this worthwhile Bill. I must also declare an interest, having been a part-owner of a few dogs. However, as I have no personal knowledge of the matters under discussion, I have taken the precaution of speaking to some people who appear to be extremely knowledgeable in this regard and I was rather surprised by their conclusions. While Shakespeare wrote about something being rotten in the state of Denmark, my contacts allege that something is extremely rotten in the state of the greyhound industry. They claim that a considerable amount of doping takes place. I am unsure whether it is rare, regular, rife or rampant, as I have heard all four opinions from different sources. However, as doping does take place, Members have a duty and responsibility to establish what can be done about it. From such a perspective, this Bill constitutes an extremely constructive suggestion.

If the Bill is not accepted, the people involved in the industry should be consulted. I have been told, in graphic detail, that some handlers have a supply of cocaine in one pocket and bread soda in the other, and that this potent cocktail is a common weapon in the doping armoury at our greyhound tracks. I have also been assured that other drugs are employed. One of my informants mentioned that Viagra was commonly used, albeit not for the purpose for which that drug was originally designed.

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