Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

It is a slow process – I know I have let Senator Power down on another matter as the person involved has gone away for three weeks – but at least it is being done right.

Senator Mullen referred to the Green Party legislation in this area. If it had listened to people rather than ramming its legislation down people's throats, it would have a representative here today. It started with a ban on stag hunting in my county. While the Ward Union still exists, the Green Party does not. I was disappointed the Green Party was given support from rural Fianna Fáil Deputies to introduce such legislation. The time is coming shortly when the Ward Union will be back under the legislation introduced by Michael D. Higgins in 1996. Not consulting people beforehand leads to attacks on rural life. This Bill was based on consultation.

This was an informed and constructive debate. The contributions have been very useful and I thank those Senators who took the time to examine this issue in advance or who have engaged with it today.

The greyhound industry makes a significant contribution to the economy, providing much employment, especially in rural areas where alternative employment may not be readily available. Greyhound racing and coursing are popular throughout the country and bring together both rural and urban enthusiasts. The greyhound breeding industry is successful in export earnings, with approximately 75% of the greyhounds now racing in the UK being Irish bred. Greyhound racing also attracts a large number of visitors to Ireland from overseas and in this regard a night at the dogs provides excellent entertainment.

This Bill arose from the debates surrounding the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Then it was emphasised that the greyhound industry already had a system of self-regulation and controls in operation which should be taken into consideration. It was concluded that separate welfare legislation was more appropriate for the greyhound industry and that such legislation should take cognisance of the well-established procedures which the Irish Coursing Club and Bord na gCon had in place.

Members are conscious of the public's concerns about animal welfare, particularly the welfare of dogs. In the case of greyhounds there are fewer problems involved with welfare than in the business known as puppy farming.

In drawing up the Welfare of Greyhound Bill 2011, my Department engaged with the various organisations concerned with the welfare of dogs. I believe this Bill addresses all the relevant issues raised by them.

I acknowledge the constructive manner in which Bord na gCon and the Irish Coursing Club engaged with the development of this legislation. In their view, this legalisation provides an appropriate framework in which to regulate welfare in the greyhound industry. They acknowledge that legislation which enhances greyhound welfare will ultimately protect and enhance this country's reputation in regard to the care of greyhounds.

I also thank the voluntary bodies and animal welfare groups concerned with dogs that have engaged in a positive manner and have indicated this legislation provides for the implementation of a good standard of welfare for greyhounds. Having taken on board all the various submissions, I am confident we have struck an adequate balance, thereby accommodating various points of view.

I emphasise again that the restriction this Bill places on the number of times greyhound bitches can be bred, as well as the prohibition on breeding under 15 months, are very significant factors in ensuring proper greyhound welfare. In the context of the scope of this Bill, greyhounds are defined as all greyhounds entered in the Irish greyhound stud book which is maintained by the Irish Coursing Club. All such greyhounds will be covered by the welfare provisions of this Bill throughout their lives, irrespective of the premises in which they are kept.

The welfare requirements specified in this Bill on greyhound keepers to safeguard greyhounds in their care are in addition to the general provisions relating to cruelty in the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965. Greyhounds which are not registered in the studbook cannot be covered by the scope of this Bill but will continue to be covered by general animal welfare legislation as well as the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, where relevant. This Bill grants a wide range of powers to welfare officers-----