Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Lawlor said what I had intended to say. We are at the very central aspect of the legislation, its purpose and where it will take the industry. Racing has no certainties, as we saw at the weekend. The one positive aspect which everybody associates with Irish racing is that it is transparent and fair. There are always variables and surprises. Integrity has been a key to maintaining this reputation. Earlier, we had very important presentations about the make up of bodies, facilities, attendance and how to encourage it and bring new people into racing. I support all those comments and have done so previously. However, unless we can showcase a product we can point to as being beyond reproach, we will have major difficulties. Deputy Lawlor mentioned Britain.

We can look at what happened in cycling where one of the greatest sports events in the world was decimated overnight and - let us call a spade a spade - will never return to its former glory. We have to ensure this will never happen in this industry.

Deputy Lawlor and I will not participate in the process but committee members will have to reflect on the submission to be made to the Minister because once legislation is passed, it must be ensured integrity and certainty are at its very core. I agree with Deputy Lawlor in this regard.

As Deputy Barry said, point-to-point racing is of significant interest to people from Cork. We discussed attendances earlier. I live a mile from Dromahane racecourse and three or four miles from Cork racecourse. Over the past decade, I will not embarrass Cork racecourse by saying which was the winner for average attendance. Horse racing would not survive without point-to-point racing. Carloads of people attend meetings on Sundays and they are admitted at a modest cost to have a great day's fun. That is an introduction to racing. Without strong point-to-point racing, there will not be a future. Perhaps I am putting the ball in an empty net but at whose behest are we having the discussion on this part of the Bill? It was a stand-alone part of the broader industry, which was working effectively. Whose brainchild was this? Why are we having this debate? Where did the pressure come from? Deputy Lawlor used the wheel argument, but "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". If any part of the equine industry is not broken, it is point-to-point racing. Throughout the country, Sunday in, Sunday out, enthusiasts turn up to participate. There are many volunteers, including locals who would never visit a racetrack. Some people, who are alienated by the language of racing, feel so much at home in a point-to-point field. Perhaps Mr. Hickey could answer my question. Why is this even on the agenda?