Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

The Minister does not understand the greyhound industry. I have been listening in recent weeks to the Fianna Fáil backbenchers from Tipperary who are sitting behind the Minister. I refer to Deputies Hoctor and Mattie McGrath and others. The Minister does not understand the concerns of the greyhound industry, which is represented in abundance in our county. He does not understand the commitment of those people to animal welfare. They have built their livelihoods and created employment in our county and they are worried about the Bill which is why they are lobbying us on a constant basis. The Minister has failed to recognise the contribution that the industry makes to the economy. I am very concerned about the matter.

If one takes any parish in any part of County Tipperary, from Golden to Lorrha, or down to Newcastle, people there are involved in the greyhound industry. Every one of the people I met at the show in Clonmel last Sunday is very angry with the Minister because he does not understand their commitment to animal welfare. The Minister is insulting their commitment. He should consider the amendment because it is the view of the majority of Members of Parliament and it is what the people want. I urge the Minister to rescind his current position and leave the greyhound industry alone. It is committed to animal welfare. The people involved in it like what they are doing and they want to continue with their business.

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