Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This motion is kind of cynical. It is a serious time, with Covid-19 and people on their knees all over the country with the way the economy is. I would love to see a motion being brought forward to support an industry. This industry and its spin-offs are vital to rural and urban Ireland and to many families. There are 40,000 jobs in the horse racing and greyhound racing sectors. It is great to listen to the contributions from the parties of the left here. Where are they going to get the money from to have some other industry instead? We do not have it.

This is part of our heritage and culture. The vast majority of the greyhound people love and protect their animals and are diligent about animal welfare. They resent being tarred by the RTÉ programme and being included with some rogues. Any rogue element in the industry should be banished from it. There is no truck with that. Many greyhound owners are small farmers who are involved for the supplementary business. They always look after their animals and they love, tend and nurture them. We want supports. We want Government support and we welcome this funding being put into the industry because it comes back in spadefuls. It benefits the physical and mental health of the people in this sector.

Deputies should be supporting them in this time of need rather than putting forward a motion that will diminish, if not wipe out, an entire industry. What will replace it? What will replace the money that is earned and the satisfaction provided? I support the greyhound industry 100%. People should be left with their animals, allowed to nurture and mind them and to have their hare coursing and greyhound racing. Racing is worth so much to Clonmel as well.

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