Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The basic premise of the Deputy's question is that if something is sinking, one should just pull away money. There are problems in the greyhound industry. During the term of the last Dáil, the agriculture committee produced a report on it and made recommendations. One point made was that we need new robust legislation, which will be introduced shortly. I hope to have it agreed by the Cabinet so it can be forwarded to the current agriculture committee for pre-legislative scrutiny. It will provide for better governance, financial structures, control and regulation. Greater consumer participation is required but this must be based on confidence. If we simply say we should pull the money in the industry because it is in decline, it is contrary to most principles. If something is in need of assistance, we should continue to support it so that, in time, it can operate independently. This is a critical juncture. It is up to all participants and the greyhound industry itself to engage in this and ensure the industry has a future.

As for the numbers, maybe there is a question over the figure from 2010, but the industry is certainly still a significant contributor to rural communities.

See this speech in context