Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

I welcome the Greyhound Industry (Doping Regulation) Bill 2006. Great strides have been made in respect of the development of the greyhound industry in recent years. A pragmatic, dynamic approach has been taken by Bord na gCon to the development of the industry and this has been supported by the current and previous Ministers and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. The progress made can be seen in County Galway, where the greyhound track has been refurbished and renewed. On Friday nights, the greyhound track is the place to be, not only for greyhound racing but also for the craic. As we are dealing with doping regulations, I had better explain that the "craic" I mentioned refers to fun and socialising.

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