Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill and other sporting matters. I am always amazed at how other sporting groups are treated. How do the greyhound and horse racing industries receive major investment and tax breaks while the Eircom League is ignored? Shelbourne Football Club, my local club, deserves the support of the Government. I commend the Shelbourne supporters development group for great work in supporting a local club and demanding Government support for the Eircom League. We must support, fund and assist clubs in the Eircom League to the same extent as the greyhound and horse racing industries. We need leadership and vision to deal with this issue. Why can there not be a top quality league in Ireland that all families can enjoy, rather than watching Premiership football?

I support the plan to end doping and rigging of greyhound races. I demand standards in the industry to root out doping and sleaze. Although it is an important social and family event, the downside of it is coursing, on which we need a debate.

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