Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My suspicion is that while both entities are passionate sports organisations, they are also both businesses, and both are reliant on funding of different sorts and levels. Is it the case that the development of harness racing could appear to be troublesome in terms of funding for the thoroughbred industry? I acknowledge that the witnesses have outlined the huge amounts, running to millions, involved in the thoroughbred industry, and harness racing does not generate that type of income by a long shot. However, could Horse Racing Ireland perceive harness racing ultimately to be an threat in the long term to funding to the thoroughbred side? Could Horse Racing Ireland state unequivocally its support, albeit in some respects in separation, for the objective of the IHRA to find a suitable home for itself and to find a suitable niche industry for itself that would not be in direct conflict with Horse Racing Ireland and the thoroughbred industry? Did Horse Racing Ireland view the use of Dundalk Stadium by the IHRA, once, twice or whatever it was, positively or negatively? If it was positive, is it of a mind to allow the association to do that again, scheduling permitted?

I read the transcript of the last meeting of the joint committee when the IHRA appeared before it. There was an issue at Killarney and the harness racing representatives felt highly aggrieved about what happened there. I wish to specifically ask Horse Racing Ireland whether it has made an intervention with the board of Killarney racecourse on supporting or otherwise the IHRA's efforts to hold a meeting at that racecourse. Finally, I compliment the sports body on its support, as it has been noted the Irish Harness Racing Association has benefitted positively from its membership of the council, which also should be noted.