Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting is the consideration of a motion on the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2016. I welcome the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Michael Creed, and his officials.

The following motion was referred by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann to the committee on 29 November 2016 for consideration:

That Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft:Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2016,copies of which were laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 21 November 2016.

Members were circulated with a briefing note on the motion.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call the Minister to make his opening statement.