Chris Andrews (Dublin South East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this matter. I originally tabled it last week. Since then various statements have been released by Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, KPMG and the Irish Bookmakers Association, IBA, each asserting different positions on the report on HRI's expenditure. For this reason, I will not focus on this but rather wider issues concerning HRI and betting tax generally which should be addressed.

HRI has refused to release information requested from it under the Freedom of Information Act. As stated in a response to a parliamentary question I tabled, HRI is subject to all the provisions of the freedom of information legislation. I know HRI rejected the original application for information stating the amount of information requested was deemed to be too large. I would like to see an effort made to attempt to facilitate the revised request from the IBA. Any disputes about spending figures etc. would be resolved by the release of this information.

Reports in the media today detailed suggestions for betting tax to be increased from 1% to 2% so the revenues raised can be used to fund the two activities, horse racing and breeding. The author of this report was Colm McCarthy, author of the bord snip nua report in which he recommended reducing funding the horse and greyhound fund by €16.4 million to €51.7 million. He stated this was still a substantial amount of Exchequer funding for the sector. Is there a possible conflict between these two stances?

I appreciate the value of the racing and breeding industry to Ireland and our economy. However, now is a time when organisations such as HRI must be able to prove a return for State financing. The Irish Sports Council which supports over 62 sports receives 24% less funding from the taxpayer than the horse and greyhound racing industries. Prize money in Irish horse racing is 60% higher, on average, than that offered in England. While I understand the arguments placed by both sides, we must have a clear picture of how State grants are spent by HRI.

We must ensure best value for money is achieved rather than indiscriminately granting greater funds though proposed tax increases, without ensuring this funding is being used to its best advantage. For example, many of the country's horse racing tracks appear to have not benefited from State funding. The all-weather racing track in Dundalk remains closed for half of the year.

HRI claims substantial prize money must be offered for Ireland to remain an attractive place for top-tier breeders to enter competitions. However, is HRI achieving best value for money? Could savings be made in areas such as salaries and administration, which could then be passed on to the prize money fund, rather than throwing money indiscriminately at HRI?

It is inherently unfair that a person who bets on soccer, rugby or boxing makes a contribution to HRI but not to the sports in question. This practice discriminates against other sports, much in need of funding.

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