Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

As a result of the controversy that has affected Bord na gCon recently, the great strides made have been tainted. That controversy should be nipped in the bud before further irreparable damage is done.

The Fine Gael Bill proposes the establishment of an independent regulation and control body to deal with doping and illegal drug use in the greyhound industry. When I hear about another independent body being set up, I have nightmares because I have visions of another unaccountable body. However, the principle of independence from Bord na gCon is vital. The ongoing controversy illustrates and underlines this. One cannot have a body investigating itself. For the system to operate without any suspicion attached, it is imperative that any member of a new body not be a member of Bord na gCon. The greyhound industry is intimate and small and everyone knows everyone else. Even if the people carrying out doping tests are scrupulously honest, the close nature of the industry means that it will always be possible for certain people to raise suspicions. Such a scenario does not create confidence in the independence of the process and is, therefore, not good for the greyhound industry.

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