Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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I thank all the witnesses for their presentations. I was not present at the Dundalk meeting but some close friends of mine were and they spoke of how well everything went off and how it was handled, as well as the benefit to the area and the local economy. Everyone I know who was there was very happy with the event.

Despite the amount of money allocated to the horse and greyhound sector every year - there are Supplementary Estimates every year in that regard - the IHRA asked for just €375,000 and did not get one cent. I believe that is very wrong and even disgraceful, given the potential to develop the industry. As the witnesses said in their presentation, the IHRA would hope to have a number of venues around the country where it could advance the industry. More and more people want to be involved in harness racing but are denied access to racetracks and do not have the facilities, which is inhibiting the growth of the industry.

I suspect Horse Racing Ireland sees the association as competing against it and for that reason, it is deliberately - I use the word "deliberately" - preventing the development of harness racing. I hope HRI will prove me wrong. Elitism in any part of life, whether in sport or elsewhere, is wrong. When people see themselves as above somebody else, or better than somebody else, or keep people down, I see that as wrong. The enjoyment of harness racing or any other sport which is there for young people and spectators to enjoy should be encouraged, once it is legitimate and, in this case, once it meets the welfare standards, which it has. Therefore, it needs to be encouraged and supported.

We, as decision-makers, although the Government is the decision-maker which we try to influence to make decisions, should do all in our power to ensure the IHRA gets equal treatment and is treated fairly, as it should be.

Deputy Ó Cuív mentioned there could be damage to tracks and so forth. My understanding is that all-weather facilities are essential for harness racing and Dundalk is an all-weather race track. All-weather tracks are well able to cater for it.

When one considers the support to the economy, the amount of money generated and the benefit provided by harness racing in France and other countries, I cannot see how an organisation or a Government in this country would try to prevent it proceeding. There is no reason to do that. I tabled a priority question on this for the Minister, Deputy Coveney, in the recent past and he indicated that he would consider the matter in a favourable way. I hope that will be the outcome.

The witnesses said they met with representatives of Horse Racing Ireland. I hope it has changed its position. I am aware from written reports that it had difficulties initially, and certainly in the recent past, as it saw harness racing as competing against its industry. If that is its current position and if a proposal is brought to the committee for the allocation of money to Horse Racing Ireland, I will certainly not vote for it in that case.