Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the funding. All I ever want to see is more funding for greyhound and horse racing. Often overshadowed, the greyhound industry plays a vital role in Irish culture and the economy. The €19 million allocation is a testament to the industry's significance, benefiting veterinarian medicine suppliers and others in interconnected businesses. I compliment the greyhound racing industry in County Kerry and the track in Tralee.

I wish to speak about the people who own greyhounds. Other Deputies seem to be completely oblivious to this. They adore their dogs - I will stick with greyhounds for a minute. I am talking about people like Tom O'Connor and his family from Saleen in Tarbert, people who grew up with greyhounds. Greyhounds are their way of life. Those dogs are catered for and nurtured better than any person could ever be.

I thank the horse racing industry in County Kerry - the people, trainers, owners, jockeys, families, interconnected businesses and the people who run the race track in Killarney, Listowel and Tralee, who provide great entertainment. It is a vital part of our infrastructure. It is our way of life.

I pay tribute in the short amount of time I have to the late James Kelly, who died recently. He was a great steward at the track in Tralee, a familiar face every Friday and Saturday night. He was a young man taken before his time. I wish to say on the record of the Dáil that he was a great greyhound man and a great track man. He served the county of Kerry very well. May he rest in peace. It is fitting to remember him this evening in this debate because he would like to see money going into this industry. The more that goes into it, the more we will get out of it. Other politicians do not understand it. They are out of touch. Their heads are in the sand. That is enough about that.

See this speech in context