Paul Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Mr. Kavanagh mentioned a few things in passing, such as that he does not like having different percentage rates when it comes to grants. I would like to see that change in the future. At national hunt race meetings run during the summer our disposal income is an issue, as it is with other tracks. I should not only refer to our track. It is hard for me; it was a slip of the tongue as much as anything else.

The provincial tracks that are running in off-season with limited meetings do not have the same disposable income to put up their 60% in order to draw down the 40% of the taxpayers' money or the share of the media rights that is being held for grants. There is a well-known saying that the weaker the patient, the greater the care required. The value and importance of the provincial tracks with regard to employment and tourism in rural Ireland has been pointed out by many speakers this evening. Deputy Cahill referred to racing during the winter when nobody else can race because of ground conditions. In our instance we organise racing during the summer and provide national hunt racing for the weaker type of horse that will not be going to the Cheltenhams of this world. We provide that service to the paying public in the area who like being able to attend the local rural country race meeting with a family atmosphere like that being created in these tracks. Providing the facilities will cost more in some ways than the bigger tracks who will have the cashflow because they have festivals. Mr. Kavanagh said he does not like doing that. I am being very parochial. My question is would Mr. Kavanagh consider looking at that differently in future? He also said he does not have any sleepless nights over the category 3 racetracks. I wish I could say the same to Mr. Kavanagh.