Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, support this motion and the industry. I have no truck with or trust in any of the unscrupulous breeders out there, who make up a tiny minority. I acknowledge the prowess we have in the horse racing and greyhound industries in Tipperary. As was said, the horse racing industry directly supports 10,000 jobs in the country and indirectly supports a great many more. The naysayers here, who are just anti-everything really, are against this. They would have us afraid to speak. I was speaking on an issue during Leaders' Questions and, within 30 seconds of me speaking, one of these same heroes tweeted that I was dog-whistling. Who do they think they are to control this democratically elected Parliament? I, for one, will not be silenced by them with regard to any of my views or opinions. I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Ceann Comhairle for their protection in that right. These people talk about polls. Where are these polls done? They pay students and young people to picket and to do other things around the town of Clonmel. We have a wonderful greyhound stadium in Clonmel and another in Thurles. Very significant investments were made in them. They are a source of entertainment for rural people. There is an industry around them made up of the veterinarians and the suppliers of medicines and everything else. Families all over Tipperary and the country have love for their animals and for horse racing. As I said, I have no truck with people who neglect or mistreat animals. I support the animal shelters out there. They do not get half enough money. Some Deputies here who come out protesting think lurchers are greyhounds. That tells you what they know about the business and what is going on in it. I commend the motion and support it wholeheartedly.

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