Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank the Minister for introducing this Bill. I also thank the officials for their briefing. I acknowledge their offer of help. I always find it very valuable to have a discussion with experts involved in the drafting of legislation.

I welcome the Bill. Its Title which refers to the welfare of greyhounds speaks for itself. People should not be allowed to operate in an industry without regulation. Legislation to ensure the welfare of animals is paramount. No one could possibly deviate from this view.

I was watching a programme on RTE a few evenings ago on the IrishSociety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which had visited puppy farms and noted animals being mistreated, which is not very pleasant to see. Anyone who engages in such abuse of animals should be hauled over the coals and subject to the full rigour of the law.

The greyhound industry is very important, as has been said. This is especially the case in areas such as west Cork, in which many people breed greyhounds and participate in greyhound racing, a fine social activity, in the stadium in Bishopstown. In recent years the event has evolved to such an extent that the organisers have made it a very good evening out. I have been present on a number of occasions and it is great to see people using the facility not only for commercial purposes but also for entertainment. The industry is worth a lot in terms of employment in rural areas and contributes in no small way to the rural economy. It is, therefore, very important that we be cognisant of this in producing legislation and that we do not over-legislate in this area, thus ensuring a diminishing effect.

Having examined the debate pack made available to Members, it is interesting to note that 75% of greyhounds racing in the United Kingdom are Irish born. This speaks volumes about the success of the Irish greyhound industry which is also important in terms of stakeholders. One of the many criticisms of legislation is that we do not consult enough and are insufficiently involved with stakeholders. It is important to note that both Bord na gCon and the Irish Coursing Club were consulted on this legislation. Its publication in early December was welcomed.

One question the greyhound organisations have for the Minister concerns a point made in his contribution today:

Local authorities may appoint welfare officers who are given the same level of powers as stewards of the Irish Coursing Club and I envisage close liaison between personnel from the Irish Coursing Club and the local authorities. The Bill will form the basis of a co-operative relationship between local authorities, Bord na gCon and the Irish Coursing Club.

With regard to the proposal that local authorities may appoint welfare officers, will the ban on recruitment in the public sector be relaxed? Will it involve the creation of jobs? Will there be the placing of advertisements by local authorities with a view to hiring welfare officers? I am very interested in this matter because my local authority, Cork County Council, has lost a substantial number of jobs as a result of the recruitment ban, early retirements, retirements and the inability to fill casual vacancies. If we are to provide legislatively for the appointment of welfare officers by local authorities, they should be given the resources to do so. Local authorities are strapped for cash and the availability of resources represents a considerable issue for them, as elected members throughout the country would be quick to tell us. We have experienced it ourselves. I experienced it in my local authority. I am interested to know whether there will be provision made in the Bill to make resources available to local authorities.

I welcome the Bill. I look forward to tabling amendments on Committee and Report Stages in respect of parts we consider need improvement. I thank the Minister of State for his time.