Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and the Bill. As my colleagues and the Minister of State have mentioned, the greyhound industry has contributed €500 million to the economy. It is also worth noting that greyhound stadia offer facilities to schools, clubs and social causes for fundraising activities, which has helped to generate €7 million for such organisations. The Welfare of Greyhounds Bill provides for the welfare of greyhounds as well as the regulation of breeding establishments. The Bill addresses the concerns of the Irish Coursing Club and Bord na gCon about the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 by creating legislation which is distinctly related to the greyhound industry.

The Welfare of Greyhounds Bill is not about the Government imposing rules on a successful industry. It is simply recognising the existing levels of regulation and control currently employed in the industry and ensuring that standards are met. As Mr. Barry Coleman, welfare officer of the Irish Greyhound board said, 99% of owners are top quality people who care about their animals. They are often rural people and sometimes care more about their animals than about themselves

In section 7 of the second Part of the Bill the welfare standards for greyhounds are set out. This section states that greyhounds must have decent and clean living quarters, suitable food and bedding and be adequately exercised. For most owners these things are given in the care of their dogs. The Welfare of Greyhounds Bill strives to ensure that those who mistreat animals and damage the reputation of the Irish greyhound industry by mistreating animals are made accountable. I welcome this measure.

In creating a better environment for dogs we can boost our reputation for quality internationally by ensuring that high standards are met in the care of Irish greyhounds. The establishment of welfare officers, which are drawn from local authorities' dog and veterinary services, Bord na gCon and the Irish Coursing Club, is a welcome move. Such people have deep knowledge of greyhounds and are the best people to ensure that standards of care are met. Protection of this valuable industry and of the animals is of paramount importance and I join my colleagues in calling on members of the Seanad to support the Bill.