Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I commend the Minister’s commitment to horse racing. He will be in no doubt that the committee is hugely passionate about horse racing. It is a calling card for us across the world and we are proud of it. This is a €2.5 billion industry that supports 30,000 jobs. The third highest number of foals were foaled in Ireland last year, after Australia and America, with total sales of €293 million. It is a massive industry.

I will make two points in the context of echoing what other members stated. On the integrity of the sport and anti-doping, the findings of this committee’s report was that we at least match international best practice in both respects. We should impress upon the industry not to match but to be the benchmark for all other sectors. To protect the integrity of the €2.5 billion industry, that is critical. I hope in future deliberations with the sector, the Minister reminds it of that.

Horse welfare is important, and that fact needs to be to the fore when moneys are being provided. We need to insist on it at all times but we forget sometimes a horse is only as good as the jockey, support staff and stable staff. I have increasing concerns about general welfare in the industry. Many people go in very young with the best of intentions, see it as a potentially great career and it does not, unfortunately, work out for them, particularly in relation to jockeys. Many struggle to find a role within or outside the industry. There is an onus on the committee, the Minister and the Department to impress upon this valuable industry that it needs to be more responsible towards its staff, particularly those who fall out of involvement with the industry. I would look at what is happening in the UK for footballers who do not make the grade. Significant efforts are made to provide future education paths for them. I would like to see something like that coming from the horse-racing industry.

Aside from that, I welcome the Minister’s continued support. It is important and will always get a warm welcome from the committee.