Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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I welcome the Minister. I am probably one of the few present who was a member of the select committee in 2001 when one of his predecessors, Joe Walsh, brought the existing legislation before it. I welcomed the Act at that stage and I welcome it again now. One of the matters which left a sour taste in people's mouths at that time was the tax exemption for stallion breeders. Many could not understand how those owners - many of whom are well to do - were allowed to avail of this exemption. The exemption in question benefited a small number of individuals, but small stud farms such as those at Charlestown, at which the winner of Irish Grand National was trained, and Tullaghnasleek. These farms are responsible for a great deal of direct and indirect employment in the county and they also give rise to downstream employment, even in the transport and haulage sector. Anything that can be done to assist the industry is welcome.

Huge numbers of ordinary people get the opportunity to participate in point-to-point events in Castletown Geoghegan, Kilkenny West, Durrow, Ballymahon and Doory. This is a sport but it is also a significant industry for the areas to which I refer. It can be the lifeblood of many rural areas.

I concur with what the Minister and Deputy Martin stated in respect of the greyhound industry. Two of the nation's 17 greyhound stadiums are located in Longford and Mullingar. Both are excellent facilities and they play host to many activities other than greyhound racing. What are the Minister's plans to continue to improve, upgrade and refurbish the type of facilities throughout the country to which I refer? Kilbeggan Racecourse, which is under the management of Mr. Paddy Donegan, is probably one of the finest examples of a significant return being garnered on foot of the investment made. It is a premier venue and hosts seven or eight race meetings each year.

I recall that the funding contribution was to be equivalent to the betting duty that was to be raised. The ultimate aim is that those who operate the courses would wean themselves off this form of funding. I do not believe those involved in racing want to be dependent on outside funding. The Betting (Amendment) Bill was supposed to be a priority. Why has it taken so long to progress it? I accept that there are difficulties involved but while we are waiting for this legislation, many of the ordinary bookmakers operating in rural areas are closing down. Many of them are being wiped out by online betting - I refer to it as "remote control" betting - from which not a shilling comes back into the country. The bookmakers to whom I refer are obliged to pay tax, employ people, etc. Online betting and other developments have hit these individuals hard. Two or three people are employed by the bookmakers who operate in small rural villages. The Minister will be obliged to pursue this matter with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Deputy Howlin, or whomever is responsible for causing the delay with the legislation. When enacted, the Bill will give rise to a much-needed source of revenue for the Exchequer but if nothing happens prior to that point, many ordinary bookmakers will be wiped out. The owner of Connolly Racing in the town in which I live has been in constant contact with me for the past 12 months, basically asking me what is happening. As already stated, I accept that there are difficulties involved. However, we very capable, efficient and effective in the context of overcoming difficulties relating to taxation. We should be no less effective and efficient when it comes to tackling the anomaly that exists in this area.

Like Deputy Martin Ferris, I would like further funding to be given to the greyhound industry. Many of the small operators in this industry could do with a boost. People tend to consider the top line. However, I deal with many involved in horse racing, the owners and operators of stud farms, etc., and I know that those with only one or two mares are always hoping for that breakthrough which will put them into a position of reasonable sustainability. Those people have been very supportive of the industry. Perhaps in the future the Minister might consider making a greater investment in the greyhound industry. Those involved in it often do not have a sufficient number of avenues to explore in order to ensure that they might place their businesses on a solid footing going forward.

I welcome the introduction of this secondary legislation, of which I am supportive.