Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. They are separate industries. I was involved a little in the sport horse industry. They operate differently but they are compatible and that is what we are trying to address. From the point of view of the committee's work, I thank the witnesses for their insight. If we want the various aspects of the horse industry to develop to their full potential, that could happen with goodwill from all sides. Shared venues at different tracks would be a useful avenue to pursue as long as the other matters are addressed, particularly security.

I appreciate that HRI is very cautious, no more than the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Food Safety Authority, about the reputation of its industry, which it represents and governs under legislation. Likewise, we have to make sure that all sides can operate. Professor Wall touched on the issue of sulky racing. The misunderstanding and lack of awareness out there, because everyone sees the two as the same, needs to be clarified. There may be an opportunity, if we could develop a better model of harness racing, to eliminate some of the other practices that are taking place and that are in the best interests of neither the animals nor the participants. That is probably something we should look at.