Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to support this Bill. Any action to lift any clouds that might hang over the industry is important and should be taken quickly. This is a small but important industry, particularly in the area from where I come in south Tipperary in which the Clonmel track is located and which hosts the national coursing festival each year. They greyhound and coursing industries are important and give much employment and support to other industries and business in the town of Clonmel and much enjoyment and sport to the many people involved at all levels.

As other speakers stated, there has been much welcome development in the industry in recent years and it is fair to compliment Bord na gCon on this. I hope those developments will extend to Clonmel in the near future. We are seeking €5 million for the development of the track there. We have had difficulties which have been resolved and I hope the €5 million will become available soon to extend and improve the facilities at Clonmel.

I welcome, if true, news that the Dalton report will indicate that mandatory testing is necessary. Such testing should be introduced sooner rather than later. This is an important industry over which no clouds must hang. We must have trust and confidence in the industry, which must be transparent in its operation. This Bill would achieve that. In the interests of the sport, I support it.

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