Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Minister became a little annoyed with me when I spoke on this issue on Second Stage and I accept that I can be a little off-putting at times. I enjoy point-to-point racing more than anything. The Minister has made clear to all the relevant parties that he does not propose to interfere with point-to-point racing, other than by providing that Horse Racing Ireland will collect moneys that will be subsequently returned through the racing regulatory body.

One of my great friends, who was involved with his wife in point-to-point racing, died last week. The Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee plays an important role in this aspect of racing and must be allowed to continue to issue and register hunt certificates. Regulations are in place for point-to-point steeplechase meetings. Hunt certificates are issued by the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee and these are certified by the master of the hunt. I have done this myself and it is necessary to provide various documents, including registration papers for the horse. Subscription fees are also paid to the hunt. The certificate is issued and only registered by the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee when it has carried out the relevant integrity checks, for example, with regard to passports, flu vaccinations, horses' qualifications under point-to-point regulations, identification of the horse owner, handler and so forth. The issuing of the certificate is an integrity issue. A problem does not arise with the Minister's proposal to ensure full transparency with regard to money. Various proposals have been made regarding ways to collect the money, including online. I am not very well informed on these matters, however.

I have never doubted the Minister’s bona fides. If he is committed to maintaining the current position, this should include providing for the change I have proposed to the certification process. This provides for the exclusion from the proposed process of the certifying of hunter certificates. That would be a simple amendment which would not create a fuss. It gels with the thrust of what the Minister is intent on achieving, namely, ensuring pont-to-point racing remains within the ambit of the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee. I hope he will see fit to accept it because while it is not earth-shattering, it is important.

The Bill proposes to substitute section 10 of the original Act with a new section. It follows that section 10-----