Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael)

We are delighted to have the Minister of State back again and I am delighted to speak on the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011, which is before us for discussion. We discussed the Bill at length on Second Stage on 25 October. The Bill arose from the debate last year on the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. It must be highlighted that one of the major strengths of the greyhound industry in Ireland is that all greyhounds are identified and registered individually in the stud book of the Irish Coursing Club to ensure the integrity of the racing system. The industry already has provisions in place with regard to welfare. I will not repeat to the information in great detail as it was adequately debated and discussed at length the last day.

According to Bord na gCon, the greyhound industry is responsible for 11,000 full-time and part-time jobs, directly and indirectly, many of which are in rural communities. The industry provides an estimated €500 million to the local economy. The greyhound breeding sector is also very successful, and approximately 75% of greyhounds now running in the UK are Irish. The industry also attracts many tourists to Ireland and it is therefore of paramount importance that we protect and enhance it through the most stringent regulations.

I would like to recap briefly the main points of the Bill. The Bill grants a wide range of powers to welfare officers to allow them to specify various items of welfare notices. However, these provisions will not present any difficulty to individuals who take due recognition of the welfare requirements, have proper premises and operate their businesses in co-operation with local veterinary practices, as appropriate. The Bill provides for a period of up to three months from the commencement of the Act for greyhound breeding establishments to be registered. It will be lawful for dog breeding establishments to continue to operate for this period and will enable a smooth transition to full registration of greyhound breeding establishments.

Bord na gCon will be responsible for the establishment of a code of practice under section 6 of the Bill. Under section 11, it will be an offence to allow a female greyhound to give birth more than six times during her lifetime. Section 12 provides for the establishment of a register of greyhound breeding establishments. Finally, section 18 of the Bill outlines that a welfare officer or member of the Garda Síochána may inspect premises and may require books, records or any other documents to be made available.

The social aspect is very important. It must be remembered that this industry provides great entertainment for all people and greatly enhances Ireland's tourism industry. It has been brought to my attention that greyhounds are sometimes abandoned at greyhound tracks if they do not win their races. I would like to affirm that the introduction of this new Act will protect greyhounds from mistreatment as, under the new law, each greyhound will be fully traceable back to its original owner.

It is important that the greyhound industry is regulated in the same way as any other industry in Ireland. The enactment of this Bill into law at a future date will ensure that greyhounds are protected from any undesirable treatment and will establish tight regulations for the future. I thank the Minister of State for addressing the House on this Bill and for his work in overseeing the passage of the Bill.