Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, to the House as it is the first time we have had the opportunity to address him. I wish him every success in his ministerial post.

I welcome the opportunity to speak in favour of this motion to provide State funding to Horse Racing Ireland and Greyhound Racing Ireland in 2021. Horse racing, the thoroughbred industry and greyhound racing are vibrant and important parts of the culture and economy of this country, particularly the rural economy and rural life. We have a long and proud tradition of horse racing in Ireland and the steeple chase began in Cork in 1752. Horse racing in Bellewstown in County Meath, where I am a volunteer member of the committee, took place in 1726. The money we get from Horse Racing Ireland every year is constantly improving facilities there for animal welfare. We welcome that.

Horse racing provides direct and indirect employment of 29,000 people, generating €1.9 billion annually for the economy. Ireland is the third-biggest producer of thoroughbred foals in the world and we attract significant interest and investment globally as a result of our high standing in the sector. Significant employment and economic benefit is derived from greyhound racing too.

The Green Party might be more appropriately called the grey party as it seems to be hell-bent on draining rural life from every bit of colour and human vibrancy. It tried to kill off the hunt in this country and now it seems to want to kill greyhound racing. What is next on the list? Are we going to be banned from fishing in our lakes and rivers?

Nobody supports cruelty to animals and I support any reasonable measures to ensure animal welfare. It is interesting to hear some Members today speaking about animal cruelty and welfare, referencing the 6,000 dogs killed each year, and yet they show no compassion or remorse for the 6,600 babies killed each year, helped by funding from the HSE.