Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Like Members from constituencies around the country which have a tradition of horse breeding, I have received representations directly from a number of interested individuals and groups, and the Minister, Deputy Smith, and I greatly appreciate that the committee did one of the things which one likes committees to do, namely, consider the matter in considerable detail and reach a unanimous conclusion, which is somewhat unusual. However, the Department is charged with responsibility under the regulations, SI 399 of 2004, to consider the submissions made to it. My understanding is that the submission made by the committee stands alongside the other submissions and applications. Undoubtedly, it will be taken account of. Given the points which both Deputies made, considerable weight would undoubtedly attach to a unanimous view of a committee in this regard. However, the Department and the Minister are obliged, also under the terms of the statutory instrument, to consider carefully the applications which are de facto made by two organisations.

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