Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Hartery, we are glad to have him at the committee. He has a very impressive résumé and I have no doubt that his national and international business acumen will be of great benefit and will be utilised by HRI. Mr. Hartery has very ambitious plans and I am sure he will help the executive and the board in a very positive way.

We are all acutely aware of the importance of the horse racing industry at all levels, including the thoroughbred industry and flat racing. Ireland is prominent in the sport internationally, especially in Britain and France. The horse racing industry in Ireland is spread geographically right across the 32 counties. There are currently some 6,500 breeders. Mr. Hartery will be aware that there was a big lull during the economic recession and it sapped a lot of the confidence out of the industry, but we still have 26 racecourses. I know that the chief executive of HRI is familiar with my interest in Kilbeggan Racecourse. Mr. Hartery will know that we are very eager for some significant investment to be forthcoming. He is very welcome to visit there as part of his first duties, along with the chief executive. We look forward to HRI presenting the course with a cheque very soon.