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

A single structure is at the core of the Bill, in terms of what we are trying to do here. Following the advice of both Indecon and Smith and Williamson, we are trying to provide a single office whereby cheques and moneys come in and flow out to the various different parts of racing thus providing more transparency and efficiency. To delete a section and say that one seeks to provide a single structure for the administration and financial management of the Irish horse racing industry undermines the thrust of what we are trying to do. Again, having spoken to a lot of people, most people have settled in their minds what we are trying to do here and they are happy enough with it. There is strong language in our own amendments to reinforce the message that the money that was coming in for the Turf Club, in the past directly, is now coming through a single administrative office and that will continue to come into the Turf Club without undue delay. We have used strong language to describe the matter which we will debate later. I cannot accept the amendment as there is an explicit provision later in legislation which reinforces the independence of the Racing Regulatory Body. In many ways it strengthens the body's independence when compared with the present situation. The body has primary legislation which forms the basis for its independence in law. This legislation strengthens the Racing Regulatory Body. It separates the body from the HRI in terms of function and reliance. It gives the body independence in terms of providing integrity services for the industry. I do not see how having a sensible and efficient administrative office dealing with registration and payments would undermine that situation and, therefore, I cannot accept the amendment.