Mr. Brian Kavanagh:

The intention would be that there would be a discussion between both parties on how that is dealt with. This is related to an earlier point. The charges are being levied on the same people. Horse Racing Ireland is levying charges on trainers and jockeys and so is the Turf Club. We are conscious that those charges are high and many trainers are telling us they are being put to the pin of their collar to keep businesses going. One of the issues we want to address over the coming years is a reduction in the cost burden on participants in the sport to make it easier for people to enter it. Since our funding has been cut, that is what the industry has had to do to plug gaps. In my introduction I noted the horse and greyhound racing fund is €17 million down on where it was in 2008. In response, the industry has sought to plug the gap by holding entry fees for races at a high level or introducing a plethora of charges on participants. We are told every day that this is an active disincentive to people participating. Mr. Keeling had a number of clear positions and the reaction we got to a modest reduction of 10% in charges last year was incredible, as there was recognition that the industry is struggling.