Mr. Brendan Gleeson:

We have reflected on that issue. It comes back to what Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív said. This is a very unusual situation where what is essentially a private body has a range of statutory functions. What is being discussed is providing very broad, strong policing powers for a private body, around which there are sensitivities. First, there has been no change to the definition. We consider it appropriate that the Turf Club have these powers around the tracks and in the context of applying integrity to racecourses. Where work is required outside these parameters, we have the Garda and departmental investigators who frequently work cheek by jowl with Turf Club personnel to examine matters such as breaches of animal remedies regulations. They have all of the necessary powers and authorisations to do what the Turf Club is seeking to do outside the tracks. It is a balancing act. Is it appropriate to expand the remit of the Turf Club beyond the tracks? I have some doubts about the wisdom or even the legal propriety of giving a private body these very strong policing powers outside its strict remit, as provided for within the regulations. This is something we considered and what I am saying reflects the view of our legal services division.