Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I join Senators Coffey and John Paul Phelan in asking the Minister, at the eleventh hour, to accept the amendments. At a time of economic crisis the country requires the Government to be pro-enterprise and pro-jobs. The Bill has the potential to destroy the greyhound industry which will have an impact on tourism, employment and our sporting life. It will also affect our balance of trade because greyhound industry exports are worth €35 million per annum. Senator Ormonde referred to rural pursuits but the Bill will have a profound effect on all of Ireland. I commend her for her remarks. However, it is fine to say one thing in the Chamber but the real truth emerges when we go through the Tá and Níl lobbies. I challenge the members of the leading Government party to be true to their roots and de Valera, if that is what they stand for. He would not have supported the Bill.