Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Government for this funding for this vital industry and fully support it. Both industries are so vital but I will speak today about the horse industry and the prowess we have had in Tipperary, all over the world and in other parts of Ireland.

I want to make remarks on the greyhound industry because it is vital. It used to be a cottage industry. Every small farmer in south Tipperary had greyhounds. That has now greatly diminished but I salute them because they mind their dogs and their welfare is the top priority. Coursing and greyhound racing are humane. People like Deputy Cairns, Deputy Murphy, Deputy Barry and others want to attack and undermine. Deputy Cairns came up one day protesting and she brought a lurcher. She did not even know what a greyhound was. These people speak with such ignorance about a sport that is part of our culture, heritage and economy. We are for work and we want to support people who work in these industries. I ask the Deputies to educate themselves about what goes on in the real world. It is not all about knocking and stopping everything good, productive and that provides employment. Those jobs and the money earned around that industry are important. The Deputies are welcome to come to coursing meetings in Clonmel to see what goes on, but they will not come.

I also turn my remarks to those Deputies and ask why they are so selective and will not condemn out of hand the groups of illegal hunters going around County Tipperary. Hares are in preserves to have them fit for coursing after Christmas. The groups go around marauding with six or seven lurchers, terriers and all kinds of dogs with no muzzles that tear hares and rabbits asunder and damage farmers' property. They boast in videos about how they got so many rabbits. It is shocking. The Deputies ignore that but want to attack a good industry that involves decent people who provide good work and conditions, valuable turnover to our State and enjoyment for our people. There are none so blind as those who cannot see at all.

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