Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to dispel some of the fiction that has been bandied about regarding greyhound racing. The Greyhound Racing Act 2019 is the first major upgrade since 1958, and it is welcomed. The general public who own greyhounds mind their dogs like children and would not tolerate any abuse of their dogs' welfare. A minority of people in all societies and sports abuse the system.

The Act will bring about traceability backed up by enforcement. The Irish Greyhound Board has an excellent relationship with the ISPCA and wants to continue that relationship.

The betting tax was raised from 1% to 2%, which now yields €95 million in taxes. The greyhound industry delivers an economic impact of €302 million to the national economy. The past two years - 2018 and 2019 - have generated €6 million and the Irish Greyhound Board qualifies for 20% of the greyhound fund.

I put it to the Minister that this is a sport for females and for males.

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