Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin Kenny made a very valuable contribution on the difficulties that arise from a lack of co-operation. He referred to the lack of response to the questions that were put to Horse Racing Ireland when its representatives appeared before the committee in the recent past. Some of the questions remain still to be answered.

I have raised the issue of harness racing and how the association were prevented from having competitions for want of a better word. Evidence was produced before the committee in regard to access to a track in Dundalk. Through the intervention of the Minister, that issue was addressed and the meetings came about. I welcome the fact that funding is being made available at last to advance this sector

I would have reservation and I had serious reservations in the past when I was on the committee in the past, but I have always voted for it. I voted for it in the interests of the common good, in order to protect the person who is involved in a small way and is trying to keep a little industry going in rural Ireland. My advice to the committee is to do that, but there is a great deal of cleaning-up to be done and the integrity of the sector has to be restored. This cannot go on forever.