Cocaine and Viagra are among the drugs used to enhance the racing performance of greyhounds, the Dáil has been told.
The claim was made during a debate over two days on a Fine Gael Private Members' Bill proposing an independent controls and appeals board for the greyhound industry. It was moved by the party spokesman on sport, Jimmy Deenihan.
Party colleague Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South-West) said contacts of his had alleged that there was something extremely rotten in the state of the greyhound industry.
"I have been told, in graphic detail, that some handlers have a supply of cocaine in one pocket and bread soda in the other, and that this potent cocktail is a common weapon in the doping armoury at our greyhound tracks.
"I have also been assured that other drugs are employed. One of my informants mentioned that Viagra was commonly used, albeit not for the purpose for which that drug was originally designed."
Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue remarked: "One learns something new every day and I did not realise that Viagra enhances a greyhound's performance. They must not be giving it to the greyhounds in which I have an interest."
Mr Deenihan said the greyhound industry contributed in excess of €300 million to the economy and was an important source of income for many families, particularly in rural areas.
It provided a considerable supplementary income for many farm families.
At the moment, he said, Bord na gCon tested two randomly chosen samples at each track on each night of racing. The process was supervised by a control steward. First-time offenders had the option of accepting the findings, a small fine and forfeiture of the prize money, or of appearing before the control committee to present a defence.
"This arrangement has had some success, but it is obvious from recent events that it is not foolproof and people are questioning it."
Mr O'Donoghue said he attached an importance to ensuring the integrity of drug-control procedures, not only in the greyhound sector but in sport in general.
"Ireland has an excellent record internationally as a country where sport, in all its wide variety, is highly valued and pursued with enthusiasm, good nature and a sense of fair play and honesty.
"Deputies will be well aware of the high regard in which our national anti-doping programme, operated by the Irish Sports Council, is held throughout the world. Wada, the World Anti-Doping Agency, is using Ireland's anti-doping rules as a model of good practice for other countries to follow."
Mr O'Donoghue said he would be happy to engage with Mr Deenihan on aspects of this proposal, if and when he was in a position to do so, but if he forced a division on the matter he would have no option but to oppose the Bill.
Tony Gregory (Ind, Dublin Central) welcomed the Bill.
"Regrettably, the industry is riddled with corrupt practices and a complete investigation into all aspects of the industry is needed. I refer, in particular, to the illegal, disgraceful practice of blooding greyhounds with live rabbits, hares and kittens. RTÉ ably exposed these practices some time ago."
The Government defeated the Bill by 72 votes to 54.
