Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I also wish to thank those involved in the "RTÉ Investigates" programme on exposing what, as Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan stated, we already knew. The culture of animal cruelty has not been addressed in this country. Existing legislation and regulations have been found wanting. Apart from the reputational damage caused by the latest scandal involving the greyhound racing industry, serious welfare issues need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Ministers pay only lip service to the issue and are not joining the dots when it comes to the links between cruel and illegal activities and the way in which dogs are being bred. It is no wonder they are not joining the dots: animal welfare is currently divided among four Departments and the legislation relies heavily on self-regulation rather than robust enforcement of animal welfare laws. I want to hear from the Minister of State that will change things. I hope this is the last nail in the coffin for the greyhound industry. We must see an end to the cruelty to these dogs, the way they are being treated and exported as well as the way hares are treated in the industry. We must have a serious look at investigating these organisations on the basis of the RTÉ programme. I want to hear the Minister of State state that now and, if necessary, to withdraw the funding given to these organisations pending change. We should stop greyhound racing. It is gone. Since 2007 only 50% of people have been turning up to greyhound stadiums.

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