David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

These amendments, all of which I agree with, seek to amend section 9 of the Bill, which deals with the constitution of the board. The proposed new section 7 states:

The membership of the Board shall consist of—(a) a chairperson, and

(b) 8 ordinary members

Then we have a rather bland statement: "who have, in the opinion of the Minister, experience of or shown capacity in matters relevant to the functions of the Board". This could mean more or less anything. The functions of the board include financial matters, so there could be an accountant on it, but there is nothing specific about people who have direct involvement in the greyhound industry or a veterinary surgeon. Subsection (2) of the proposed new section 7 states: "The Minister shall, insofar as practicable and having regard to the relevant experience of the persons concerned, ensure an equitable balance between men and women in the composition of the membership of the Board." This is all blather. It is of much more significance to have expertise rather than this kind of politically correct nodding in the direction of gender balance.What is needed is expertise. If there are women who have expertise in this area, that is wonderful and we should let them on the board, but why stress this in the absence of any direct relationship to the professional qualifications of members of the board?

Senator Ruane's amendment is strikingly obvious. We must have a veterinarian on the board. These people are charged with looking after the welfare of animals. One of the objectives of the Bill is to look after the welfare of animals. I strongly support the subsequent amendments that deal with the export of greyhounds, which is an abominable practice. They are exported as flesh and bones to be manufactured away.

It is extremely important that the membership of the board shall include one or more than one veterinary practitioner of at least five years' standing. That is perfect. I appeal to the Minister of State to accept the amendment. It seems to be perfectly reasonable and logical and it fleshes out the existing section 9, in which there is no mention whatever of the veterinary profession. I find that extraordinary. I urge the Minister of State strongly to take this on board.

Senator Paul Daly's amendments deal with representatives of the greyhound tracks, as well as greyhound owners, breeders and trainers. That is fine. They are all significant players. I welcome Senator Daly's statement that he regrets that he did not include veterinary practitioners and views his failure to do so almost as an oversight. We have strong support from Fianna Fáil for these four amendments and I hope they will be all passed by the House.