Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister for his opening statement and his contribution. A lot of money is being put to these two industries every year. This follows on from the Cathaoirleach’s question to an extent. When large sums like that are being allocated people would expect there would be significant scrutiny on how that money would be spent, where it was going and how much was going on prize money, capital and investment in the key infrastructure required for the industry to grow and develop. It is important to point out in the context of all of that that our Irish horse industry is a world phenomenon. It is a key industry in the country. Ireland is renowned throughout the world for the production of racehorses and, indeed, the greyhound sector is also a thriving industry. There have been, as there are in all sectors where animals are being used -we saw it recently on the Prime Time programme on the treatment of calves being exported - animal welfare issues that have to be borne in mind and we have to be sure they are properly adhered to in the way the animals are treated.

It has been my experience that the vast majority of people who raise animals for whatever reason, whether to send them to market, race them or whatever, treat them really well because they want to do really well out of them. They have a vested interest in doing that. I have experience of a very tiny minority who would mistreat animals or act in a slipshod fashion. There is a tiny minority that needs to be held to account for that, or if it comes to doping in regard to racing, etc. There needs to be strict adherence to all the regulations that are put in place. There have been, over the years, various incidents and examples where, unfortunately, there has been poor adherence to regulation. When we are putting such a large amount of money into these industries, we need to be absolutely sure that the public is getting value for that money and that the correct checks and balances are in place.

In the context of all of that, last year the Minister mentioned that there was going to be a review into all of this and that an outside consultancy agency would be appointed in order to do that review. It had not, at that stage, made any progress. I would like to get an update on where that review is at and what is happening with it. The public deserves real oversight of this industry. There is certainly a perception among many that with regard to the money, particularly if it ends up as prize money, some of the very wealthy individuals who own racehorses are getting this prize money and the public is funding it. There needs to be at least an assurance that this is actually not happening, and that this money is going where it should go, to develop the industry and ensure it is properly run.

It is vital that we have that kind of oversight, that there is a report done and that it is done without fear or favour. It has to be independent, and truly independent in respect of that. I would like to know where that is at and what developments there are in respect of that. Second, what assurance can we have that this money will be spent and how is there going to be proper oversight of it? If we are spending money on any sector and in any section of any Department, we expect to know that there is good governance in place. There need to be guarantees around that. I would enjoy the Minister's comments in respect of that.