Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am totally opposed to this Social Democrats' motion and resent the suggestion that those Deputies who support the greyhound industry and support those who own greyhounds are being lobbied. I certainly have not been lobbied by anybody. I will make up my own mind based on what the people of Cork South-West tell me. The people of Cork South-West have spoken to me, including people that own and love greyhounds. They love walking their dogs, minding and caring for them but they are being treated like outcasts who have done something wrong. Do Social Democrat Deputies realise that 10% of the funding will be spent on greyhound care centres, foster homes for greyhounds, injury clinics and on the confidential telephone line? There is a whole lot of care attached to this funding. It is not all bad and negative news. It is a terrible thing to suggest that all greyhound owners are bad people on the basis of one RTÉ programme broadcast last year. A lot of issues come up on television from time to time and we will jump from one issue to another on that basis. I certainly will not support this motion. I will support the people who have greyhounds and the people of Cork South-West who love and care for their dogs. I will not support this motion in any way, shape or form.

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