Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Animal welfare has to be important. There has been a lot of work done. In fairness, Members of both Houses and across the political spectrum have supported changes that have enhanced welfare.

I come from Galway where the Galway Races are synonymous. There is the seven-day festival in the summer and the September and October meetings. The world renowned Galway Plate and Galway Hurdle are a huge boost. It is thriving. The city closes down for productivity to a degree, or rather I should say that it opens up to everyone else, because it is a festival. It is the racing festival. It is hugely important to the local economy and there is also the Galway Racing Track as well as part of the sports ground in association with Connaught Rugby. The boost to the economy of the funding together with the prize moneys that are provided and the investment are huge. We should also highlight the opportunities it gives to Irish jockeys.

The greyhound industry supports 4,150 jobs and contributes €132 million to the economy as well as the further investment by the greyhound owners themselves. It is an industry that still has a positive role to play. However, I emphasise that the measures around welfare must be adhered to. There must be no doubt around inspection levels and adherence to guidelines that have been put in place by the Oireachtas. It is the Minister's job to ensure that happens for the good of the industry.