Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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By and large, I support the Irish Harness Racing Association because I was involved for years in the case in west Cork where they raced on the roads. There were problems with insurance when we closed off the roads on certain dates. I was also a legal adviser to the group for 20 years, so I would not like them to be isolated. It is popular in Wales and throughout Ireland.

I understand there is a move to stall or stop the inspection of draft and thoroughbred horses. Half my family live in America and I have heard this is sending out the wrong message. Has this been done, or has it been proposed? If it has been proposed, what are the merits of this? I have heard that it sends a signal that we are going backwards rather than forwards. Might this tarnish both the draft horse and racehorse industries? These are very important to the economy of this country.