Anthony Lawlor (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a question on harness racing. One of the key parts of the greyhound and horse racing sector is the integrity with which regulations are applied. The greyhound sector is looking at setting up an independent body in legislation at the moment and we have to ensure that it is in place before any State funding is given to the harness racing sector. I welcome the increase in funding because, during the recession, we found it difficult to maintain funding for the horse racing sector. The sector was going through a hard period and, as Deputy Penrose said, there is huge pressure on the horse racing industry at the moment. Those at the top are enjoying the benefits, something we saw quite clearly with the foal sales in Goffs last week. The quality horses at the very top end of the market, where a good mare is crossed with a good stallion, are making money but the small breeders with foals are struggling to overcome the cost of stallion fees, which has caused huge worry in the sector. There are 15,200 people working in the industry but many of them have just one or two mares and are struggling. If there is anything we can do for them we should do it. The top end of the market seems to be able to hold its own, no matter what.

There is also a worry about the competitiveness of Irish racing. As Deputy Penrose said, in the Troytown Chase in Navan last Sunday 11 horses were trained by the same trainer.