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

Ongoing financial support from the State through the horse and greyhound racing fund is pivotal to the viability of both industries, which, combined, have an economic impact of nearly €2.5 billion and benefit 40,000 people through direct and indirect employment. The legacy of horse and greyhound racing is deeply rooted in the Irish cultural fabric. Ireland is renowned globally for its outstanding standards in breeding and training for both racehorses and greyhounds. The economic impact of horse racing as an industry has been monumental, contributing billions to the economy. The breeding and racing sectors are estimated to generate a staggering €1.8 billion in gross expenditure annually. The industry provides direct support to nearly 10,000 jobs, with indirect employment opportunities extending to fields like equine science, veterinary services, transportation and stabling.

I welcome this motion. It is high time people who object go to see the industry for themselves in Church Cross, for example. I rang up one day and turned up in the yard within five minutes to see how dogs are treated with the most humane, loving and caring treatment on a farm in Church Cross. People should wake up, go down to see that and stop criticising and pointing fingers. It is like going out finding 100 drivers, one of whom is going wrong, and taking every driver off the road. I went to the greyhound finals recently. I was delighted with how the dogs were treated.

See this speech in context