Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share Deputy Cahill's view that tracks, whether greyhound or horse racing, would be far poorer places and less colourful without the presence of course bookmakers. I do not think that anyone wants a situation where the only option available is the tote. It is an issue that Horse Racing Ireland has been considering and there has been engagement with bookmakers on the matter and I hope a resolution is imminent. I encourage both Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon to be conscious that these people bring colour to race meetings generally and that the race meeting environment would be much poorer without them. I understand that there is significant competition for pitches especially in horse racing, but we must ensure that they can survive and whatever steps that need to be taken by both bodies should be considered in a fashion that ensures this.

Deputy Cahill also raised point to point racing. It is something I was very conscious of on my appointment. We have a huge international reputation - Deputy Cahill referred to the Melbourne Cup which was a staggeringly good shop window for us, for Irish trained horses to take the first three places is unprecedented - but that is built on a foundation often laid in local communities, with small owners and breeding establishments. Point-to-point races are the critical shop window for them and there is no point in saying otherwise. The organisers of point to points were under tremendous pressure in recent years to continue to provide that service. Happily, last year we succeeded in significantly addressing the financial concerns of the organisers and addressed the available prize money for races. I am confident that will continue to be built upon. That is the critical foundation for the industry which we showcase internationally and is something I am exceptionally proud of. Significantly increasing prize money and grant aid to the committees organising point-to-points, I believe it was from €4,000 to €6,000 last year, was important and was recognition of the critical service that they provide.

I think I have dealt with everything.