Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Okay, that is just for clarification. I thank Mr. Kavanagh for his opening statement. I will put on record that I am a big fan of Irish horse racing in the sense that I understand and appreciate the value it brings to many rural economies. I am sure many people will be impressed to hear about some of the financial benefits from the sector in terms of how it permeates to local communities, which is what I want to focus on this morning.

Mr. Kavanagh mentioned that 92% of breeders are operations of five mares or fewer, and they are the small operators many of us will be aware of within our own communities. Where does Horse Racing Ireland fit in with their operations in terms of the supports it gives them to maintain their operations, support newer entrants and allow those smaller operators to expand?