Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Andrew Doyle, to the Seanad for this debate on the organic and greyhound sectors, two indigenous industries that, unfortunately, have different outlooks. The organic sector is growing and people see that it has strong potential, whereas the greyhound industry is in decline because of a number of legacy issues that need to be addressed. However, it could have strong potential were it to be managed properly.

I recognise the support given to the organic sector by the Minister of State and his Department. In many communities around the country new enterprises are growing thanks to the various incentives and support provided by the Department.

My main reason for contributing is to outline my concerns about the future of the greyhound industry. I will speak briefly about its value to the economy which has been outlined.

I was amazed to hear the Sinn Féin representative ask where the more than 10,000 people who made a living from the industry worked. I know many hundreds in my community who make a living from it - this is replicated around the country - including trainers and breeders. If the Senator was to attend the various racetracks around the country and if Sinn Féin supported the industry, they would see the many people who maintain the tracks and ensure they are fit for purpose, the many drivers, the veterinarians who ensure greyhounds are kept in top order, the catering and bar staff and the stewards. Sinn Féin is not willing to recognise these workers, given the statements made in the Chamber. If it does not recognise the industry's value to the economy, it is no surprise that it opposes the funding provided for the horse racing and greyhound industries. These are indigenous, rural industries that I want to see maintained and supported.

Recently, I met owners, breeders, trainers and patrons who were very concerned about the current state of the industry. They are frustrated and angry and want action. I support them in that regard. There has been a loss of confidence across the sector and the issue needs to be restored. That can only be done by reviewing and reforming the sector from the top down with the Minister of State who is new to his role at the helm. That includes the board, management at tracks and governance structures.

Recently, the Minister of State met a group of Fine Gael Oireachtas Members that included my colleague, Senator Ray Butler, as well as Deputy Joe Carey and many others who were supportive of the greyhound industry. We outlined our concerns because we wanted the Minister of State and his officials to listen. He has inherited many legacy issues, but they need to be tackled now. They might have resulted from poor governance in recent years. I mean no disrespect to the officials sitting behind the Minister of State, but officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine were in situwhen many of these issues arose. There is a need for accountability throughout the system from the Minister to senior departmental and IGB officials. It is not good enough that the industry is being put at risk by bad management and poor governance.

We have an opportunity. I add my voice in support of the new legislation the Minister of State is due to publish soon. Colleagues and I want to support him because we see that this indigenous industry has strong potential but changes are necessary. We must attack the doping controversies and take on the legacy issues and debt problems. We must urgently review the issue of track viability and find ways to attract patrons back to racetracks to enjoy a night's entertainment. Kilcohan Park in Waterford is a famous stadium, not only in Ireland. It hosts many famous racing and soccer days, but it is only open one night a week, which is a crying shame. Reform of how we incentivise trainers and breeders to enter dogs in races could increase numbers.I acknowledge there are good people in the industry and good people managing our tracks but there needs to be a review in order that there will be more racing nights and that tracks can become more viable. A controversial "Prime Time" programme is due to be broadcast the week after next and that might be a good thing. Let us uncover the problems and tackle them. I will support the Minister of State in that endeavour, as I am sure will other Senators.