Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Dempsey and wish him all the best as chairman designate of the National Stud. Deputy Heydon asked about diversification into sports horses. I would be interested to know if it is one of Mr. Dempsey's visions that the National Stud might get involved in that.

Mr. Dempsey's role is very wide, including to raise or borrow money.

Mr. Dempsey said there is a very healthy balance sheet. Is there a limit to what the Irish National Stud can borrow, even for the purchase of a stallion?

The stud management course is very interesting. Is it run under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine or the Department of Education and Skills? How many places are available each year? Is the course subsidised or must one pay fees?

We have all heard of stud farms such as Coolmore, the prices their horses can make and the stud fees they command. I do not know whether the Irish National Stud goes into partnership with anybody. Is there a partnership? Would it go into partnership, perhaps to share the use of a stallion?

Each new board and chairman brings a different dynamic to the running of the organisation. Will Mr. Dempsey outline some of his priorities? What is his vision for the stud in five or ten years after his chairmanship? I hope he will be there for longer than that. I wish him all the best in his position and thank him for attending.