Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending. I welcome the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, Mr. Brian Kavanagh, who is accompanying the witnesses. I thank Mr. Hartery for taking on the role. It is important that people with good qualifications step up to the mark and serve in public service roles. This is one. It is clear from his presentation and curriculum vitae, CV, that not only does he mix passion and strong interest in horse racing, he also combines it with an impressive business CV and much experience at corporate level across a number of companies.

With regard to the challenges going forward, as Deputy Penrose touched on, what are the witnesses' thoughts on Brexit, the challenge that poses and what actions they think we need to take to best prepare ourselves for that over the coming months? The witnesses outlined the importance of appropriate funding investment and that it needs to be used well. I would be interested in their further thoughts on how they believe funding should be invested and what the best way to spend it is. Deputy Penrose mentioned Kilbeggan Racecourse, and Senator Paul Daly, who is a member of this committee, is chairman of Kilbeggan Racecourse. He passes on his apologises for not being able to be here today due to a bereavement in the family but I have no doubt that he and Deputy Penrose would be at one about that.