Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Hartery for his introduction and the outline of his résumé. I wish him well in his role as chairman of Horse Racing Ireland, and all that it involves. Coming as I do from Donegal I probably do not have as much first-hand knowledge of Horse Racing Ireland as we do not have too many race tracks up in Donegal. We do, however, have a couple of successful jockeys. I wish Mr. Hartery well and all the best for the future. As Mr. Hartery has said, it will be a difficult time with Brexit and so on coming down the tracks.

With regard to harness racing, and Irish Harness Racing Association, which has been in existence in Ireland for the last few years also, will that sport have some impact on Horse Racing Ireland? I am not sure what the role is, and perhaps Mr. Hartery could expand on that. That sport has the potential to develop and grow but it needs the use of tracks. I believe that all aspects of horse racing should be working in partnership and working together but this does not seem to be happening on the ground in the context of harness racing. In his role with Horse Racing Ireland, what are Mr. Hartery's views on harness racing and does he see the two sports developing and working together, if possible?