Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will concentrate on the statutory instrument before us today. I congratulate the Minister on securing another increase for the horse and greyhound fund, which is absolutely crucial. It is an investment not in a sport but in an industry which employs an awful lot of people around the country. I recognise the role of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, and note that the increase is being paid for by an increase in income from betting expenditure, with the extension of the betting duty to online and remote betting and to the exchanges. In time, I would like the betting rate of 1% to increase, because the racing, breeding and greyhound industry never wanted to be in a position in which it was dependent on Exchequer funding, which happened because of the failed policies in the past and, in particular, an inexplicable reduction in the rate of the betting tax at a time when revenue was increasing dramatically. The cut from 2% to 1% has never been justified. It was fine when the country was awash with money and the Exchequer could pay directly into the industry, but the industry always knew it would struggle to compete with hospital wards and new schools when tight times came, and that is what happened to this industry. It was not good for the industry that the horse and greyhound fund was cut during the recession but, over the past four years and five budgets, there has been a real attempt to protect the industry and it has been acknowledged that the previous cuts had a catastrophic impact.

The increase flagged last year and committed to this year has allowed the industry to begin to invest again in key infrastructure. I welcome the local infrastructural developments that are to be undertaken in my constituency, including the redevelopment of the Curragh racecourse, the home of the blue riband of flat racing. If we want to retain the key position we hold worldwide, it is crucial that the Curragh racecourse be redeveloped. It is an exciting public private project, which incudes investment by both private interests and the State, through Horse Racing Ireland. I understand the Turf Club will also play an important role in this project. As I said on Second Stage, I was struck, on the day of the unveiling of the plans for the Curragh racecourse, to hear the spokesperson on behalf of the private investors single out the commitment of the Government to this industry in the past couple of budgets as the reason for their confidence in investing in the Curragh and local industry. It is important to mention that. Lest I am accused of looking after the big man only, I am also excited about the plans to develop the racecourses at Punchestown and Naas. The latter is excellent for National Hunt racing. This €2.5 million expansion plan is hugely important for the courses and the industry. As many people are employed in the horse racing, horse breeding and greyhound industries in Kildare as are employed by Intel. This is key economic activity in rural areas where there are no alternatives. This industry is every bit as crucial to the small man as it is to the big man.

In regard to the greyhound industry employing 10,000 people, I have gotten to know the industry a little better during the past year or so through my involvement in part-owning, through a syndicate, a dog. This is an activity from which I have obtained great fun and I am impressed by the value one can get from it. From evidence given to the committee, however, I am aware of the concerns of stakeholders in respect of issues relating to the industry. I have also read the Indecon report. I look forward to working with the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, as he seeks, by way of implementation of the Indecon recommendations, to improve the structures into the future.

I, too, am concerned about the division within the industry from the stakeholders point of view, about which we have heard from different representatives. There are many different representative groups in this area. If owners and breeders in the racing industry do not get themselves organised, there will always be conflict. It is important the eight or nine different organisation in this area work together. I wish to put on record that I am opposed to any deferral today of a decision on this matter. This is too important. There are too many jobs on the line. This is a key industry. Side issues, such as harness racing and so on, can be dealt with on another day. I do not think we should be playing politics with this issue today.