Mr. Brendan Gleeson:

Head 22 relates to the hearings of the control committee. It is about fair procedures. The person concerned has to be notified. The person concerned can make submissions. If the person does not turn up, the committee can make decisions in absentia. Such a provision is necessary. The control committee must keep a record of its decisions and the reasons for them. It must publish details of any sanctions it imposes. It is important to have openness and transparency in the way the committee conducts its business, why it makes certain decisions and what those decisions are.

Head 23 relates to appeals relating to the control committee. This head deals with proceedings in the committee. That is the way it is established. Again, the appeals committee must keep a record of its decisions and the reasons for them. It must also publish details of its decisions and details of any racing sanctions. Deputy McConalogue made a good point earlier to the effect that when it comes to recourse to the courts, we are talking about judicial review for any breach of procedures. This is the appeals provision for racing sanctions.