Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will make a few points about the Indecon report. It contains 27 recommendations, all of which have been implemented, which include fixing the financial morass in which the board had found itself. Three of the recommendations are being addressed in this Bill, including the strengthening of the board of directors and management, which is provided by way of the additional appointments proposed in the Bill. Also, the Minister is to appoint members of a statutory independent greyhound racing control committee and control appeal committee, and regulations and procedures are to be introduced to ensure effective enforcement of penalties. All of the other 24 recommendations in the Indecon report have been implemented.

I was a member of this committee when the Horse Racing Ireland Bill was put through. Horse Racing Ireland differs from Rásaíocht Con Éireann or Bord na gCon insofar as it only has a promotional role. The Turf Club is the horse racing regulatory board and carries out the regulatory role for the thoroughbred industry with enforcement through its rules. The distinction of integrity and enforcement applies between HRI and the Turf Club. In this case the roles are all under the guise of one board.

The amendment recommends eight members plus the chairperson. The Deputy has proposed an additional four plus a veterinary member. We have already provided for at least one member or more with industry knowledge.

Another recommendation related to the establishment of a consultative forum and this has been done. The forum can draw from all stakeholders. It meets regularly throughout the year and includes representatives of the State, including Department officials. The board members and the executive are all present. Track owners and horse trainers and owners are all invited. It is an open forum for discussion of issues directly relating to the board. I was at the awards ceremony on Monday night. It was acknowledged there that the forum has met. There was a general view among the people gathered that they were happy with the structure of the forum.