Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the witnesses for their presentation. I apologise, as I was late arriving and missed their opening remarks.

I will make a few brief comments.

We all recognise the importance of the equine industry in Ireland and the huge contribution it makes to the economy and our reputation internationally. Part of that is about having a proper regulatory structure in place to ensure authenticity in what happens in this regard. When questions arise, naturally people will immediately look to the regulatory authority. They will ask why, if there are rules in place, they are not being followed and why there are breaches and issues. In that context, it is important that the regulatory authority have everything in order, more so than anybody else, because it is the body that is supposed to be policing everybody else. In this context, it is quite alarming that there were issues. In fairness, the delegates have dealt with them and they have been spelled out here. Nonetheless, we need to have accountability in all of this. Sometimes there are blame games in various places. Blame is one thing but it is really a matter of responsibility and taking responsibility. I acknowledge that the delegates have taken responsibility for the issues that have arisen but there are still difficulties for many people and many issues. Various people from the equine industry in general have raised difficulties and problems with us, and this too needs to be acknowledged and dealt with.

On the issues in regard to the financial transactions and the way money was moved, are the delegates certain that none of these issues can arise now?