Mr. Brian Kavanagh:

I think it is a bit of both. I think we can give politicians the solution and more importantly, we with our British and French counterparts can give it to them. Politicians can go to Mr. Barnier with something that has the backing of three major players in the sector. As I said, our diplomats historically have been very skilled at getting the case across.

A huge amount of work has been done in our sector to develop a very sophisticated system whereby horses and people move freely between the various economies. It is a matter of routine. Half the jockeys taking part in any race meeting in Britain today will be Irish jockeys. Some of them are based here and travel over to ride with others permanently living in Britain and racing there.

On Friday in Portlaoise we will have a meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to have a sectoral discussion on the impact of Brexit on the equine sector. We are working with the British Horseracing Authority and France Galop with a view to preparing a single document outlining the preferred wish not just of Ireland but of Britain, France and the rest of Europe. I am told that Mr. Barnier is a man who wants solutions, as opposed to being given a list of whinges, moans and problems. I believe the solution is there largely with the status quo. The status of the UK within the customs union is a key issue in that respect. I suppose that will not be decided until after the outcome of the election on Thursday and when the negotiations start.