Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

Deputy Deenihan, who proposed the Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006, outlined his commitment to greyhound racing in some detail. He also spoke about the interventions he made when he was responsible for the industry during his term as Minister of State at the then Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. There is no denying the Deputy's interest in this area and his endeavours aimed at raising the standards within our greyhound racing industry, in the interests of owners, trainers, spectators and sponsors. He is concerned about the integrity of the industry and about animal welfare in general.

The Deputy will be obliged to admit, however, that no real progress was made in all these areas until the current Government entered office. It has been the first Government to appreciate fully the true value of horse and greyhound racing to the economic and social life of our country. Horse and greyhound racing events are not just great sporting occasions for hundreds of thousands of Irish people, but they also contribute significantly to the incomes and economic realities of many people, especially small farmers, throughout the country.

Race meetings are also great social occasions for the spectators, provide important opportunities for local suppliers and retailers and can be exploited as a unique Irish experience for visitors from abroad.

The Government seized this opportunity, and by introducing a radically new approach to promoting and sustaining the Irish racing industry, namely, the horse and greyhound fund in 2001, the entire industry improved dramatically. By the end of 2005, Bord na gCon had received €65 million from the fund since its establishment in 2001 and it will receive a further €14 million in 2006.

This has enabled Bord na gCon to significantly improve the facilities at the various greyhound tracks around the country, which has led to increased attendances at race meetings, improved betting turnover and increased sponsorship. Bord na gCon also intends to continue its capital development programme in coming years and consequently, the industry can look forward continually to attracting new beneficiaries in the form of patrons, sponsors, corporate bodies and casual racegoers. Given the continuation of the fund announced by the Government in 2004, the Irish greyhound racing industry can expect similar levels of funding until 2008.

It is surprising, given the proud record of the Government in changing the face of Irish greyhound racing so dramatically, that Deputy Deenihan and his party could not wait for a few more weeks, for the outcome of the Dalton report.

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