Anthony Lawlor (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I spoke on Second Stage about the need to have a representative from the Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation on the board. I know the Minister of State was heavily involved with parallel legislation dealing with Horse Racing Ireland, HRI. That legislation clearly stipulates who shall be on the board of HRI. The Minister has only two representatives on that board, whereas it appears from the legislation before us that he will have all nine representatives on the Irish Greyhound Board. The Minister of State should consider the provisions for the board of HRI. There are too many people on the board of HRI with vested interests from a racing perspective. They are all, if Senators will excuse the expression, getting something out of it. I am looking at this board. That is why I have talked about the greyhound owners and breeders, because they have a federation. Each body involved contributes to racing financially because they pay for the trainers and they pay entry fees into racing. Ultimately, the breeders pay as well because they have to register pups. All those associated with the greyhound breeders and owners federation are contributors. That is why I would like to see them represented on the board.

It is also necessary to appoint independent persons to the board, perhaps individuals who have no association with greyhound racing, because they bring a different perspective. That is a key point. I am keen for the Minister of State to bring in some people who have an association with the industry, similar to the provisions in respect of Horse Racing Ireland. As I said, the provisions on the HRI are over-the-top because there are nine members on the board. The Minister has an opportunity through the legislation to stipulate what type of board should be in place, including provisions providing that some appointments should be left to the Minister's discretion. As previous speakers noted, the independence of the board is vital. Previously, some members of the board had an excessive vested interest and were in it for what could they could get out of it, rather than for the good health of the industry.