Greyhound Industry Bill
Deputy Healy-Rae urged action on the greyhound sector impasse and the return of racing to Dublin. The Taoiseach said the Bill was finally progressing through pre-legislative scrutiny and should address the issues raised.
I wish to refer to the Greyhound Industry (Amendment) Bill. Last Sunday there was a massive show of unity in Horse and Jockey by those involved in the greyhound sector. One thousand people attended to discuss all issues within the industry, including mismanagement by the Irish Greyhound Board. Is it not now time for the Minister, Deputy Creed, and the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle, to take action to resolve the impasse between the Dublin Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association and the Irish Greyhound Board, to get greyhound racing back in our capital city?
Perhaps people should be removed if necessary. It is about time. Current and previous Ministers have left this situation down. It is a disgrace. Genuine people who breed and race greyhounds are being highly blackguarded. The Taoiseach knows that as well as I do.
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I can inform Deputy Healy-Rae that the particular Bill has got out of the coffin box, in which it was located for a very long time, and is up and running.
It was cleared early in March and was at pre-legislative scrutiny at committee yesterday. It is running and let us hope it gets around the track-----
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The dogs are not running in Dublin.
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-----in good time and will be completed and will deal with the issues raised by Deputy Healy-Rae.
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The Taoiseach did not answer the question.