Ollie Wilkinson (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. It is a pity that the issue of doping should arise in a sport that has made such strides in recent years. Although I was interested in greyhound racing in my earlier years, I have missed out in more recent times, probably as a result of my political commitments. I recently attended the opening ceremony of the Waterford dog track, during which the Minister acquitted himself well. I was amazed at the changes that have taken place in the sport and to see the people and families who came to the track for a night out, a meal and some wonderful entertainment. It is a great sport but we must face the problem of doping.

I come from a county which is famous for greyhounds. Many Deputies will remember Master McGrath and I am sure the ballad was often sung late at night to commemorate the wonder dog born a short distance away from where I live. There is a great tradition of greyhound racing in the area, with tracks in Youghal, Cork, Clonmel and Waterford. Many town and rural dwellers keep a dog or two for entertainment.

In past years, when one would hear stories of people trying to slow down a dog, the greatest attempt at doping involved a pound of sausages. If an extra yard was wanted, a drop of poitín was rubbed into the dog's tail. I do not know the effect of either tactic.

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