Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Every year, the Minister comes to the House when we raise objections in respect of public funding of €16 million per year for the greyhound industry. Every year, the Minister has responded by saying what an important role the industry plays in our social, cultural and sporting landscape. A small number of Deputies have been consistently raising the issues highlighted in the "RTÉ Investigates" programme. The issues include the question of the killing of up to 6,000 greyhounds per year because they are not fast enough and the question of animals being exported to countries such as Macao, where protections are almost non-existent. We have horrific situations like the boiling alive of greyhounds when they are no longer useful. We have raised the question of drugging, which is widespread. We have raised questions in respect of mutilation and cruelty. Significant protests are taking place because people are appalled by what they see. There has to be action by the Government now. We cannot hear more words defending this industry, which is based on profit and exploitation. There is a need for an end to public funding of the greyhound industry and we need action.

See this speech in context