Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This issue is not exactly on the radar, but a few months ago "RTÉ Investigates" followed the controversy in the greyhound industry concerning retired greyhounds and the poor welfare of greyhounds. There was a major clamour from animal rights groups, and rightly so, for the Government to stop the nearly €17 million of funding going to the Irish Greyhound Board. Today, however, I see that the board is introducing a traceability database, which will cost in excess of €300,000. I very much welcome this. I have never had a greyhound but I have attended Shelbourne Park on a few Tuesday nights and seen many people with no interest in greyhounds from all around the world. Seemingly, it is a tourist destination. They seem very much to enjoy it, as I do. On this occasion I will not say the Irish Greyhound Board should be congratulated, but perhaps it is getting its act in order. I thank "RTÉ Investigates" and the animal rights groups for ensuring that there will now be traceability for the welfare of these greyhounds. A total of 6,000 greyhounds seemingly went missing, but this initiative should be welcomed.