Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)

Yes, absolutely; imminently. The Senator has my word on that.

A number of Senators raised the issue of rehoming and related matters. As happened in committee last night, a number of figures were being referenced around rehoming and linkages with expenditure on that. Senator Davitt talked earlier about red herrings, which is a strong phrase, and about absolutely making sure we adequately represent elements. Those very small numbers were just in relation to domestic rehomings. They did not take account of the greyhounds that were accommodated at one of the greyhound care centres that were selected for rehoming. The 587 greyhounds rehomed through international rehoming partners of the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust were not included in those figures. As Senator Higgins outlined, rehoming has become more of a focus in recent years and has broad acceptance. Animal welfare, at a broad level, is something that evolves over time in terms of public acceptance and the social acceptability of things that happen. Things that happened years ago do not happen anymore and this is an evolving area. In terms of rehoming, we are putting a lot of resources into that space. RCE is doing that and it is happening more and more. That is something that we want to see continue because we know that greyhounds make fabulous pets. There is a significant role in that space.

Some Senators suggested that this is a very unpopular industry and that nobody likes greyhound racing. However, it is important to reflect on the fact that the attendance figures in 2024, across almost 1,500 race meetings, were almost 360,000 - 358,141 to be precise - and those people would prove the contrary. The points that Senator Byrne made about economic activity at the Enniscorthy greyhound track and the local clubs that fundraise are relevant. Thanks to a night at Newbridge greyhound track, my parish was able to raise over €10,000 for the roof of the church. Everybody really enjoyed that night. We must acknowledge the economic activity, the output that results from the relatively low cost of running such events and the social importance of them.

On the horse racing side, total reported attendances by each racecourse supplied to HRI for 2024 amounted to 1.242 million, an increase on 2023. The first six months of 2025 have shown a healthy rise in reported racecourse attendances. Total attendance for that period stands at 566,377, which belies the insinuation that this is not a popular activity or is something that does not have widespread support.

The other point I want to make relates to prize money. There was a suggestion that this is a wealthy person's game, and I understand the imagery around that. A lot of the Senators who spoke in favour of this fund today know exactly where those rural jobs are and know the impact of the investment across our rural communities. We see that first hand and so we get passionate about this. We also get passionate about the fact that the prize money supports the dream. We talked here about the dream of breeding and owning a horse that can have a big, successful day and the prestige that goes with that. Obviously, it is an expensive hobby to have a horse in training and all of the costs that go with that. Prize money plays a key role in that regard. We talk about Ireland being an international world leader, but we are competing with France, the UK, the USA, Japan and others. I was in Japan earlier this year and saw the finances that are going into that space. The funding models are very different. They have the pari-mutuel in France, which means that a lot more resources are going in. That really matters.

It is important, however, to reflect on the factbook from 2024, which showed that there were 390 horse racing fixtures, 8,022 individual runners and 27% of horses won at least one race. Some 5,800 of the individual runners won prize money at some stage, which equates to around 73%. In 2023, it was 71%. Out of around 2,900 individual races, over 2,400 had prize money of under €25,000, with 129 having prize money greater than €100,000. I was struck when Senator Brady talked about the memory he had of winning early money on a greyhound. You might not remember the amount, but you remember the winning feeling. That is why people have racehorses. It gives them that sense of hope. Prize money is a key element of that, as is keeping our international comparators.

In response to the point Senator Stephenson made, which Senator Higgins made as well, about the 80:20 split, it is not my intention to change it. That has been common practice for some time.

In response to the point about curious timing of animal welfare, it is not curious. We have an animal welfare strategy that ran from 2021 to 2025. The new strategy needs to start in 2026, so it is entirely appropriate, in late 2025, to open a public consultation. It was in no way equated with that public launch. I was juggling my diary. I was in Brussels on Monday. I have to find days to do these things and I do them with the best of intentions. That animal welfare strategy is for people who are passionate about animals, whether they are farmers, pet owners or leisure enthusiasts. They may be for or against different things that happen but everybody will have their say. I have already spoken about the evolving nature of animal welfare and I want to see it improve into the future to reflect changes in society. The contributions that people make around animal welfare are something I will reflect on in future legislation coming down the line.

I have touched on the points made by Senators Davitt and Byrne. As I said in my opening address, section 12(13) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 provides that a draft of these regulations be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and a resolution approving the draft be passed by each House. I ask for the support of this House to ensure that Horse Racing Ireland and Rásaíocht Con Éireann receive the funding provided for in budget 2026. I commend this regulation to the House.