Mr. Brian Kavanagh:

There is a transient nature to that business. Off the top of my head, the Turf Club issues employee cards, which give access to stable yards and ensure security, to approximately 2,800 workers. Some of them are casual, some are students, some ride out horses at the weekends. The number may include people leading up horses. A core of the 2,800 employees are full-time staff who work for the major yards around the country. There is no doubt they have been under pressure over the years. They work very hard.

One of the drivers of the industry's success is the horsemanship of Irish people. They are good with horses. I am sure the Deputy knows this herself. It passes on from generation to generation. This links back to what was said earlier about the point-to-points. There is a tradition of horses there. There is a danger that could be lost if we do not look after staff.

We are the only racing authority that I am aware of that has stable staff representation at senior board level. The legislation brought in last year recommended a statutory sub-committee of the board specifically to look after the welfare of those employed in the industry. That committee is being set up. It will involve representatives of stable staff, union staff, jockeys and others employed in the industry.