Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is a fair summary.

There was difficulty in scheduling the meeting. We were asked to conclude by the end of the summer session but as a committee we collectively agreed to insist on all stakeholders having an opportunity to make presentations before the committee. If the principle of scrutiny is to work and be successful it is only fair that we provide an independent and objective forum.

As I said at the outset, I understand the meeting is being broadcast live through the Oireachtas television channel. In that vein we have, I hope, given everybody a fair opportunity to make their points and voice their observations and concerns with regard to the draft legislation. The Bill is at a draft stage, so the object of the exercise from an administrative point of view is that these factors are taken into account now rather than when the Green Paper is published, or the Bill is on Second Stage or has to be dealt with more comprehensively on Committee Stage. I am sure that everybody's wishes will not be reflected in the Bill but it is to be hoped that a reasonable effort is made to accommodate everybody's fundamental concerns.

The object of the exercise is to have a structure in place so that if and when other Bills which are the responsibility of other Government Departments, namely, the Departments of Justice and Equality and Finance, are enacted the structure of the organisation which runs horse racing in this country is adequately set up to promote the industry and advance it to its full potential. There is no doubt that it is a major flagship industry for the country. I like others am probably more affiliated with the non-thoroughbred part of the industry but I fully appreciate its value for the country. It is a non-urban industry, something which is not found easily.

We have concluded our hearings. The committee will meet in the next number of weeks to finalise a report which will be submitted to the Minister, with a view to it being taken on board before the Bill is drafted and published.

As there is no other business the committee will adjourn until Tuesday, 23 September. The Minister is due to come before the committee to discuss pre-budget submissions. We are not sure what time the meeting will be held as Question Time in the Dáil is at 2 p.m.