Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Am I understand that they have the capacity to test for Stanozolol? If they have, can the Minister of State explain to me why Irish dogs that have gone to Britain have tested positive for Stanozolol when they never test positive in Ireland? I do not understand that and neither do many people in the industry.

We all know there have been problems in the greyhound industry for a while. Turnover has halved since 2006 and is down something like 55%. There is a good reason for that. There is a lack of confidence in how the industry operates and there is a great deal left to be desired there. It is down to even simple things. Last month, the Minister of State told me there are more than 27,000 uncollected fines. Of the 140 fines handed out during the current Government's tenure, how many have been paid? There does not seem to be any discipline in how greyhound racing is working. According to the Department's own statistics, 10,000 people are directly or indirectly involved in the industry which has a turnover of approximately €500 million. This is very important for Ireland and it needs addressing.

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