Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not think there is any need to be disillusioned. It is an industry that is in a good place. I am not saying that everything is perfect but we have an interim board in Horse Sport Ireland which came in in difficult enough circumstances when the board disbanded. What I would see as our job is to deal with the issues that need to be ironed out between the Minister, the various organisations and Horse Sport Ireland and to get a structure in place that can drive this industry forward. As a committee, we have had Horse Sport Ireland before us previously. The various organisations requested to come in today and they have outlined the issues they have in the industry at the moment. As I said, while there are problems and issues, it has to be recognised that Irish horses are very much sought after and we can see that in the prices they are making. Our riders and horses are performing very well on the world stage.

We have heard what the witnesses had to say. As has been said by others, we are meeting in private session and we will be giving a summary of this to the Minister as to how the industry can work together and move forward. I personally would like to see the board of Horse Sport Ireland coming up to its proper membership. As good as the four board members are, to have the board up to its full membership is desirable for the industry going forward. To have the industry at that table to be able to put forward their views is essential for the future strategy of the industry. As I said, we will not pre-empt matters. We have heard clearly what the witnesses had to say here today. I thank them for coming in to us for what was a very worthwhile session.

The next public meeting of the committee will take place at 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 27 September, when the agenda will be the resumption of our discussion on the development of the sheep sector. As there is no further business today, we will adjourn.