Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that Deputy Ó Cuiv had other business to deal with today.
I thank everyone for sharing their insights. Having sat through meetings between the meat industry and farm organisations, I can tell the witnesses that the relationship between the bookmakers and the rest of the industry is much healthier and more friendly than between those groups.
We have met owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, stable employees and the betting people, all of whom are part of a very valuable industry. Senator Mary Ann O’Brien summed it up when she said this is an IDA Ireland-type of industry. It should be regarded as an engine to bring in foreign direct investment and tourism. Some of that involves media rights. The witnesses should not underestimate the value of the time they gave us here today. This is pre-legislative scrutiny.
HRI can answer Deputy Lawlor’s questions on Thursday morning. We will reconvene on 16 September for the remainder of this scrutiny when we will hear from the Turf Club. We hope to furnish a report to the Minister and Department officials by the end of September. By the time the Bill comes before the House as a Green Paper, it will have reflected some of the wishes of the witnesses. This Bill will not work without the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013. We would love to see the overall turnover of everything that happens in this country captured, from coursing to online casinos. I am not au faitwith much of it. A little lift from everybody would help to fund all the industries.
I thank the witnesses. That concludes our proceedings.