Mr. Brendan Gleeson:

I am advised the word "operating" is a reflection of current practice. It is how it has always been done and was provided for in the 2001 Act. It is a new word but a reflection of current practice and it is not our intention to change it.

I have dealt with the question of the financial independence of the racing regulatory body. With regard to the cascade of accountability and whether the racing regulatory body should receive funding directly from the Department, I do not believe it should. No change is proposed in this regard in the draft scheme. In any delegation of functions from a Department on the establishment of a State agency there is a cascade of accountability. What we have provided for here is a strengthening of existing provisions but no fundamental change in the cascade and this is appropriate.