Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As a Senator who supported this legislation, I want to thank the Minister of State for bringing forward this legislation. It is an opportunity to renew the greyhound industry, an indigenous Irish industry of which we can be proud. Mistakes have obviously happened in the past at various levels in governance and otherwise from which we can learn. This legislation will enhance the industry as a whole. I appeal to all stakeholders, and I speak as an owner of greyhounds who has raced them on tracks and coursing fields in Ireland, to ensure we have a properly-regulated greyhound industry. I thank the officials for their work. Fragmentation between breeders and owners has caused division in the industry. I appeal to them to come together in the best interests of the industry, utilising this legislation, under the leadership of the Minister of State, the new board, and all of us working together to strengthen the industry and create a sense of renewal and give it a bright future because the opportunity is there. I want to recognise the work of the Minister of State and his officials and to wish the legislation well in the Dáil.