Mr. Brian Kavanagh:

The answer to the Deputy's first question is that we are in constant contact with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I made a written submission last Wednesday formally asking that the resumption of point-to-point races be considered at the earliest possible date. We are all waiting to see what comes out of the news this week. In response to the second question, these could be turned around with a reasonable amount of notice, perhaps one week or ten days. There is a great hunger in the point-to-point community to get going again. I stress that this is all outdoor activity with fewer people involved than at a racecourse. The racecourses have operated successfully since last June with strict protocols and no issue arising with Covid at a race meeting. That has enabled the racing industry to keep the wheels turning, which we are appreciative of and grateful for. The same applies to point-to-point races. There is the animal aspect too. These horses are bought and trained to race and they do not have anywhere to go.

We made a written submission to the Department last Wednesday and we are in daily dialogue with it.

It could be turned around at ten days' notice, I believe. There is a lot of focus on 5 March as a date in everyone's calendar.