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

They are on HRI but they are not automatically on the services committee. It is great that there is now a voice for stable staff on the full board of HRI. Deputy Ferris is talking about the services committee, which will make recommendations to HRI and express concerns on behalf of the services sector in horse racing, etc. We want to make sure that functions well. All I am saying is that at the end of the day, somebody has to determine the constituencies so that people can be elected or appointed. I think HRI is the only body that has the legal accountability to do this. If it would be helpful, we could require HRI to "consult widely" across the sector before making a determination. I think that is as far as I can go. I am willing to look at that in advance of Report Stage.