Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

Before I address the points raised, I am pleased to bring the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011 before the Dáil. I look forward to an informed and constructive debate during the Bill's passage through the House. Contributions on Second Stage were very useful and I thank those Deputies who took the time to examine this issue in advance. The greyhound racing industry is important and makes a significant contribution to the economy and employment, particularly in rural areas where, in some cases, alternative employment may not be readily available.

Greyhound racing and coursing are popular across the country and bring together rural and urban enthusiasts. The greyhound breeding industry is also successful as an export industry, with many Irish-bred greyhounds now running in Britain. Racing also attracts overseas visitors to Ireland.

I thank everyone who took part in the debate. Deputy Clare Daly asked if this is an important Bill in current circumstances but there are 11,000 people depending on the industry. I am responsible for the industry and it is my job to ensure those jobs are protected and increased and this Bill will achieve that. Deputy McLellan pointed out that we all love our dogs and this is a matter close to our hearts. Deputy Daly mentioned other sports but we will not be doing anything to ban hunting, coursing or other pursuits. Through Bills like this one we will ensure this activity is done in a professional way and that the industry will grow. If less time had been spent in the last Dáil trying to do away with these jobs, we might be at a different point today.

Deputy Colreavy will see in section 10 that we are dealing with greyhounds that are registered through the coursing club. Areas outside of that will be dealt with afterwards but the fines are in place for the person who is the last owner of a greyhound. It is up to that person to deal with that dog in a proper fashion. Other Bills to deal with other animals are being examined by the Department to ensure people treat their animals well. Any ideas that Deputies can put forward will be considered.

Deputy Mattie McGrath mentioned Clonmel dog track and I will keep him up to date about what is happening. There was some controversy when I entered the Department surrounding the export of dogs to other countries. As long as I am Minister for State, that will not happen unless the same treatment regime for animals is in place in those countries. That is why our dairy and beef industries are so successful, because we are sure about what we are doing. I will not bow to any pressure on that score. If the last Government had listened to the questions I was asking, we would not have had this controversy; it would have been dealt with earlier. This was a black and white issue and that is how I will treat it.

Inspections and local authority funding were mentioned. Provision is made for local authorities to be refunded and inspections can be carried out by different bodies, and the gardaí and the courts can be involved.

This Bill deals with the greyhound industry, an industry that will be protected and grown. We all agree the industry has upped its standards but there will be special scrutiny under the Bill for those who own four or more greyhounds, where the bitch must be 15 months or older when in other cases it is six months. All those will help the industry. The Chinese Ministers who came on a visit to see our food industry were very impressed and I want the same for the greyhound industry. We must be clear what we are doing.

We have put pressure on people in the greyhound industry but they want that regulation in place because they know their industry offers much employment and enjoyment. The dog tracks offer a great night out for very little money. It is a few years ago but I went to Thurles and it was a very cheap night out with great facilities. Fianna Fáil made sure the facilities were good; not everything about the boom was bad, the roads and sporting facilities were improved. I intend to secure as much funding as possible to ensure the likes of Clonmel, Kilkenny and other dog tracks are upgraded to a uniform standard. It might take longer than originally anticipated but it is through the support of Members that it will happen. Sometimes it is hard to beat a bit of lobbying, even from members of one's own party, to ensure we get the best. The greyhound industry is good for the country and for jobs. I will be straight with anyone who tries to stand in my way. Issues will be either black or white. There will be more lobbying as aspects of the industry are examined and reversed. We will meet that head on, regardless of from where it comes.

I thank everyone who made a contribution. The penalties are considerable and that aspect of the Bill is well covered. As Deputy Ann Phelan rightly said, people may reoffend. The penalties are in place and it is up to the Irish Coursing Club and those in the business to ensure that people who are not compliant are not allowed to remain in business. That is the right way to do it.

I hope the Bill will go through speedily. I thank all who made a contribution. Furthermore, I hope the success we had in progressing the matter to date can be kept up when we return shortly to Committee Stage. I look forward to further discussion on the issue at that time.

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