G V Wright (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

I would like to share time with the Minister. I would like him to have much more time to discuss this issue, but the transparency that Deputy Higgins wants concerns how the sum of €206 million was spent by the HRI as well as how the sum of €51 million was spent by Bord na gGon on the fantastic facilities that have been referred to by every other Member and at the committee a few weeks ago. What has been spent achieved absolute value for money. It is right that we should discuss this.

The Deputy referred to the issue of wages. He should look into the fact that recently the industries were able to come together and produce one of the best agreements possible because of the prize fund now in place due to Government support both for the greyhound and horseracing industry. It is to the credit of both the main bodies which are in charge of this funding that they have produced such facilities that are the envy of the world. The record attendances at greyhound race meetings are a recognition of young people marching with their feet in support of the industry and the facilities provided. It is fantastic that two of our most important indigenous industries can keep the very best stock because of the prize fund available. What better way to market Ireland than by using the horse and the greyhound? The Minister has linked the idea of 35,000 people working in marketing and tourism. He is absolutely right to allocate this funding.

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