Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ahearn mentioned Councillors McManus and Lynch. Councillor Lynch's father and family are from Cork which has been the home of a number of Irish greyhound champions. I come from a family that supports and has had greyhounds. I know the work that is done and the care given to our greyhounds in the industry by those involved on the ground. I can vouch for those men and women. The industry has changed, but our horse racing, our breeding, our thoroughbreds, our jockeys, our owners, our trainers and our horses are notable around the world. Senator Ahearn mentioned it in relation to Rachael Blackmore. Look at the success last weekend of Aidan Coleman in Aintree. Look at the success of our horses around the world and the value people around the world put on our thoroughbreds. The industry amounts to €1.84 billion and generates more than 29,000 jobs. This is a good motion. It is about supporting local economies. It is about supporting local people. More importantly, it is about ensuring there is welfare and accountability. That is what we are all about. None of us want to see the industry tarnished, damaged or sullied. That is why I am supporting this motion and I commend it to the House.