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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 7

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - EC Headage Grants.

John O'Leary

Ceist:

13 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will arrange to have EC headage grants applied to greyhounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Greyhounds are not among the animal species on which disadvantaged areas headage grants may be paid at present and there are no proposals to have them included amongst those species. I am, however, considering whether greyhound breeding should be included, for purposes of aids for alternative enterprises, under the operational programme for rural development which I hope to submit shortly for approval to the EC Commission.

With regard to the proposal to include greyhound breeding in the alternative farm proposals being submitted to the Commission, will the Minister ensure, given the potential of this industry, that the Department give it their best shot? Unfortunately, this area has been regarded as a Cinderella within the Department of Agriculture and Food for some time. Given its potential, I ask the Minister to ensure that the greyhound industry is given the sort of attention it deserves.

We recognise the potential of the greyhound industry and obviously this is one of the reasons it is being considered under this programme. I hope that the provision being made for this industry will provide the wherewithal to expand and develop it.

I welcome the Minister's remarks. This is a step in the right direction. Now that the greyhound breeding industry is being included under the operational programme for rural developtment it is very important that the various grants for farm buildings be extended to buildings for greyhounds. The greyhound industry, like the horse industry, has a great future and I hope the Minister takes our suggestions on board.

Question No. 15, please.

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