Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Thar ceann Sinn Féin, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an reachtaíocht seo. Táimid ag tacú leis an mBille. Tá áthas orainn go bhfuil sé ag dul tríd. Creidimid go léiríonn an díospóireacht seo go raibh an ceart ag Sinn Féin nuair a dúirt muid gur chóir go ndéanfaí scarúint idir an reachtaíocht seo agus an reachtaíocht a bhaineann le madraí i gcoitinne.

Sinn Féin welcomes this Bill and we are happy to support it. The discussion today shows that Sinn Féin was correct when it called for the separation of a Bill dealing with the welfare of greyhounds from the general Dog Breeding Establishments Act and other animal welfare legislation. This course of action has proven to be wise. Although we all agree that the industry is extremely important and we all support it, as has been outlined by previous Senators, there are certain questions that are raised. At the peak of the industry, approximately 25,000 greyhounds were born in Ireland every year, which is a huge number compared with other countries. Typically, only 80 greyhounds were adopted into Irish homes per year, while between 430 and 450 were adopted into European homes at the end of their racing lives. Some 40,000 greyhounds are unaccounted for annually, which is still a serious cause for concern.

We acknowledge, however, the contribution made by the vast majority of those involved in greyhound racing and coursing to the sporting and cultural landscape of Ireland, particularly rural Ireland, and to the welfare of dogs. This industry is also important in providing employment, sport and recreation for thousands of people, who have shown great dedication to the sport.

The vast majority of greyhound people show a fantastic commitment to the welfare of their animals. The familiar scene of local greyhound trainers out with their dogs in the early hours of the morning is one repeated in villages, towns and cities throughout the island. The greyhound industry itself is significant. It is a good industry and I have no doubt that 90% of the people involved treat their animals well and have animal welfare high on their list of priorities. However, a percentage of those involved are treating their animals in a manner that could be improved. The greyhound racing industry is often regarded as difficult to regulate and that is one of the questions that will arise. It is important to enact a Bill such as this, but it is also important to put the resources in place to make sure it can be enforced. There is no point in giving people monitoring powers and so on if the resources are not available to ensure it is happening.

We must not forget that the greyhound industry is just that - an industry. Its aim is to produce pedigree dogs in a competitive environment where the working life of a top-class greyhound is very short. As legislators, we have a responsibility to protect the welfare of these animals, and the Bill provides for this, but only if it is implemented and enforced. We welcome the expansion of powers for welfare officers from Bord na gCon, the Irish Coursing Club and local authorities, which will enable them to issue welfare notices and, where necessary, to seize greyhounds.

In general, we support the Bill and are glad it has been passed. We would like to see similar Bills applying to the horse and showjumping industries as we feel that area is in need of similar attention. Ba mhaith liom tréaslú leis an Aire agus buíochas a ghabháil leis as ucht an reachtaíocht seo a thabhairt os gcomhair an Tí. Tá áthas orainn go bhfuil tacaíocht á thabhairt dúinn don Bhille seo. Mhol muid go gcuirfí ar aghaidh é. Tacaíonn Sinn Féin leis an mBille seo.