Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is seeking to reinsert the wording as it existed prior to the establishment of Horse Racing Ireland in 2001. The registration office functions have moved to HRI and are governed by both HRI directives and the rules of racing. To insert the wording proposed is incorrect and would not reflect the situation post-2001. In other words, what is being proposed essentially switches power back in a way that reverses the thrust and decision and legislation in 2001 so I do not propose to accept the amendment. If accepted, it would mean that the turf club would be the regulatory body for the office that is managing the charges, the collection of licence fees and so on. Obviously, that needs to be done in a way that complements the rules of racing but essentially that body has to be answerable to the Comptroller and Auditor General and to the Oireachtas. The turf club has a role but it is not the regulatory body. If one was to insert the words "in accordance with the rules of racing" it would become the regulatory body for that administrative function. I do not think that is what we are looking for here. I understand that this office needs to be run in a way that is consistent and complements the rules of racing as opposed to anything else. I think the wording proposed potentially goes too far so I am not proposing to accept it.