Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

The motion will allocate €80 million of public funds to the horse and greyhound racing industry for "business, financial and development plans". It increases the cumulative limit in funds to over €1.1 billion. We understand 80% will be allocated to horse racing and 20% to greyhound racing. These funds are linked to the revenue received from the gambling industry and excise duty on off-course betting. This is a toxic link. It gives an incentive and a massive boost for the promotion of gambling, one of the most parasitic industries. Some reports estimate that 30% to 35% of the industry's profits come from problem gamblers. In other words, it is an industry that destroys people's lives. This link ensures profit is put at the core of the horse and greyhound industries, therefore providing incentives for cruel practices and corruption.

In recent years, there have been many scandals in the greyhound industry. As part of its anti-doping programme, IGB has reported that 1% of samples tested positive last year. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Pharmacology experts, vets and many in the industry treat those official figures with understandable scepticism. IGB's Morris report on doping has identified severe problems with anti-doping measures in the greyhound industry. The report found the national greyhound laboratory does not have facilities to test many of the drugs used to dope greyhounds.

Another major scandal in the greyhound racing industry is that of the dogs behind the scenes that never make it to the tracks. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 greyhounds retire from racing or, as is more common, are born but never make it into racing. Approximately 1,200 were homed last year, leaving 88% with an unknown fate. It must be investigated. We have had high profile cases of dogs being cruelly killed with little or no consequence for those caught. In 2014, there were only 15 investigations into welfare incidents in the industry.

It is clear that the IGB and the Government is turning a blind eye to the cruelty that exists. Furthermore, we see attempts by the top of the industry to establish new markets in east Asia, China in particular. It is clear that exports to Macau and those involving any states with poor animal rights records and no proper protection for animals should be banned. We have argued for this and will continue to do so in debate on the legislation due on the question of the greyhound industry. We will oppose the motion for these reasons and because it places further profit at the core of the industries and does nothing to tackle the cruelty and corruption involved.

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