Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I welcome this legislation and commend the former Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, for his work in preparing it. The Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party also did much work on it with particular contributions from former Deputies John Cregan and Bobby Aylward. Various meetings were held with the former environment Minister, John Gormley, who was spearheading legislation in this area of animal welfare. To be frank and honest, he neither had an interest nor a clue in what was proposed. The nonsense surrounding his legislation beggared belief.

This legislation, however, has been drafted after consultations with all sectors involved in the greyhound industry. The industry's importance cannot be overstated, as it is vital to the rural economy providing employment which certainly cannot be scoffed at these days. Increasingly, policymakers in Ireland and in other jurisdictions scoff at rural-based industries as being somewhat backward. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is important to acknowledge the contribution these industries, particularly the greyhound industry, make to the rural economy.

Everyone involved in the greyhound industry is good at maintaining high standards of animal welfare. Generations of families involved in the industry would not have survived in it unless they had the best interests of the greyhound's welfare at heart. The notion some of them do not needs to be rebutted at every opportunity. Those involved in the industry and coursing clubs are genuine, decent and honourable people, providing employment and entertainment and maintaining animal welfare standards second to none. Those involved in greyhound breeding take pride in the animals' rearing, training and racing.

The greyhound industry has provided much employment in rural areas. The State has always acknowledged this and encouraged the industry. In May, for example, there were discussions about the possibility of exporting greyhound racing to China. Across the world, Ireland is seen as one of the great providers and having high animal welfare standards in its greyhound industry.

Sometimes this is not acknowledged at home, however. Last year, there was a huge debate in rural areas concerning the introduction of puppy farming legislation. The nonsense coming from certain quarters – what rural communities would call the Dublin 4 mindset – beggared belief. I hope this does not happen with this legislation.

It is estimated that each greyhound track provides up to €500,000 to its local area each year, a huge amount of money for many small rural locations with tracks. These tracks also provide entertainment in rural areas. While attendance at the tracks has dropped a little because of the drop in disposable income, we must continue to encourage the industry.

Under this legislation the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will take control of greyhound welfare. The Minister of State outlined the powers conferred on animal welfare officers by the legislation but stated it was unlikely they would be used because of the high welfare standards already adhered to in the industry. We must acknowledge the industry's great strengths in this regard which have been in place over generations.

The Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011 is a follow-on to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Prior to this, the industry was governed by the Greyhound Industry Act 1958. We must acknowledge the voluntary contributions people made in Bord na gCon and the Irish Coursing Club. Many of them have been attacked from certain quarters. It is up to those who acknowledge these people's contribution to stand up for them and point out that their sports are completely legitimate. For far too long certain negative sides of the industry have been highlighted in the media. During the Celtic tiger, the media scoffed at the traditional structures and systems in rural areas, seeing them more as backwoods.

The Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, outlined the provisions in the Bill. He also outlined the consultation that took place in order to ensure there was buy-in from all sectors in respect of the legislation. As a result of this process, it has not merely been a case of the Department stipulating what should happen but rather those in the various sectors have been involved and had an input. In the context of ensuring the Bill is passed by the House, we must consider the aspects of the industry which have proven to be of major benefit to rural communities. The Minister of State has been to the fore in arguing against those who would have scoffed at this industry and also at certain of the sports which are pursued in rural communities.

I had a discussion with a number of individuals last evening in respect of both the greyhound and tourism industries. Rural communities, in particular, have issued brochures which highlight the attractions on offer in their localities for people coming here from abroad or for citizens of this country who wish - perhaps for the first time in a long period - to holiday at home.

Some great benefit nights have been held around greyhound race meetings and huge amounts of money have been raised for voluntary and community organisations. When people attend such events they acknowledge the charity or whatever they are supporting, in the first instance. However, they also acknowledge that what is occurring is both a sport and a source of entertainment. Those who are not so well informed tend to focus on the less than 1% of negative aspects relating to the industry and to the traditions that have been built around it. We must ensure we at all times portray the 99.9% of positive aspects relating to the industry. We should not shrink from our responsibility in this regard. People should not be afraid to proclaim that this is a wonderful industry in which some excellent individuals are involved.

Generations of people have given their services to the greyhound industry. There are those who will state that certain families have made money out of the industry. I do not believe anyone has become a multimillionaire as a result of his or her involvement with it. However, successive generations have given a commitment to the industry and certain individuals may have struck it lucky with one or two dogs.

In the context of tourism, we should be trying to sell not only this industry but also many of the other rural pursuits in which people engage. Many of these pursuits have been neglected but they can give rise to huge added value for farms etc. Indeed, the greyhound industry has brought about massive added value for successive generations. We must focus on the positive aspects relating to rural communities. These aspects have been neglected as a result of the country enjoying too much prosperity. We must return to fundamental principles and promote those traditional industries which have stood the test of time. These industries do not relate to information technology, nor do they involve bringing in huge multinational companies etc. However, as the Minister of State indicated, they are responsible for sustaining 11,000 jobs. That is something at which people should not scoff.

Last year the House passed the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, which relates to puppy farming. When we were in the process of debating that legislation, I visited the puppy farms in my locality and discovered that they are operating to the highest standards. These facilities would not be able to survive if they did not operate in such a way, particularly as they export the animals they raise to the UK and elsewhere. Those who run them are aware that animal welfare must be at the top of their list of priorities. They would not be able to survive if the position were otherwise. It is important that, in this debate and in the context of any public pronouncements which may be made, we acknowledge that the owners and operators of puppy farms are experts at what they do.

I wish to refer to the aspect of this debate which relates to farmers being the custodians of the land, the environment etc. and criticisms regarding practices that have been lost over time. By and large, those in agriculture have acted as custodians and have passed on a great deal. We must move away from the negative and acknowledge what has been achieved. The coursing clubs, Bord na gCon and others have brought about massive developments in their industry since the first Act relating to it was introduced in the 1950s.

Last year, people were concerned that the greyhound industry would be lumped in with dog breeding establishments and that aspersions would be cast upon it, and on the excellent work that has been done within it, as a result. I am glad that, as a result of the great work done by various Members of the Houses, this legislation has been brought forward and that the greyhound industry is being dealt with on a separate basis. It is extremely important to acknowledge the strengths of the industry.

It is vital that we should reassess our values and reconsider the position with regard to many of the things that have been lost or neglected. The industries to which I have been referring are indigenous and the jobs relating to them will not go elsewhere as a result of changes in corporation tax or whatever. These industries are located in the heart of rural communities and they provide employment for families and a wide variety of other individuals. It is important, therefore, that we should reassess and, indeed, champion them. There are exciting possibilities for the greyhound industry, particularly, as I stated earlier, in the context of discussions regarding the exporting of animals to China and elsewhere. We should research the possibilities that exist for this and other industries.

I wholeheartedly welcome the Bill and the provisions it contains. I commend the previous Minister and the current Minister of State on the work they have done. I am delighted the legislation has come this far. It is extremely important that every opportunity be taken to highlight both the strengths of the greyhound industry and the fact that almost everyone involved therein operates to the highest standards in respect of the welfare of animals. We should not accept arguments to the effect that the latter is not the case. People involved in the greyhound industry would not be able to continue to operate if the welfare of the animals they rear, train and race was not their first priority.

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