Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Let us change the focus a little. I put it to the representatives of Bord na gCon that Horse Racing Ireland took a decision to trade out of the difficulties. It did so successfully and now it has surpassed Bord na gCon in terms of Tote returns and profitability and so on. The point made by Mr. Creed in terms of two facilities for the same scenario, I respectfully suggest, has more of a banking and raw commercial focus than a focus on the culture and spirit associated with supporting a sport.

Mr. Creed used the banking analogy, so I will stick with that. Bank branches close. People are replaced by machines and telephones but sport is a little different. It requires facilities. I put it to the delegation that, by closing one of the main or flagship facilities, Bord na gCon is impeding its ability to trade out of the difficulties and grow the industry in terms of the capacity available to it in future.