John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

When I met the Minister I explained to her that the greyhound racing sector in Northern Ireland was facing a number of hurdles, if I may be forgiven the pun. I suggested to her that because there was a division of responsibility for horseracing across a number of Departments and a general lack of funding, there could be no proper development of greyhound racing in the North.

I sympathise with Deputy Deenihan's view that there is a need for one authority. Bord na gCon believes that there is merit in considering a 32 county approach to greyhound racing and the board is well positioned to extend its regulatory responsibility to Northern Ireland. However, the industry in the North has not received any financial support from the off-course bookmakers' market or from central government. It is critical that the issue of funding for the sport in Northern Ireland be addressed prior to any move on an all-Ireland greyhound racing authority. Legislative changes would also be required and the 1958 Act and subsequent Acts would have to be amended to reflect any change in scope and responsibilities.

Of the three tracks in Northern Ireland, two are currently operational and are regulated by the Irish Coursing Club without any legislative basis, but with the consent of the track owners.

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