Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Minister to outline his views and provide a comprehensive statement on the current crisis at the Irish Greyhound Board. For those of us who live in rural Ireland and who are familiar with what has happened, it is very sad to see the level of disunity and rancour that exists. The industry is tearing itself apart and there are no winners in this situation. Everybody loses, in particular the owners and trainers of greyhounds who cannot run them at the high end of the market. Harold's Cross has been a bone of contention. As the Minister is aware, an agreement was concluded with the Department of Education and Skills to purchase Harold's Cross last week. Does the Minister intend to approve the sale of Harold's Cross?

We have not had racing at Shelbourne Park for 12 weeks with the result that owners and trainers have lost prize money in the region of €300,000. As a result of Shelbourne Park not being available, we also have a situation in which trainers are running dogs down the country which is putting pressure on local tracks. I ask the Minister of State to outline his view and the view of the senior Minister and the Government.

See this speech in context