Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand where the Deputy is coming from. What he proposes is crucial because everybody knows there is an attack on the industry, particularly from France and other countries that want to take not only our horses but also our pride in the industry. While I cannot say what the budget will be, we are committed to continuing to fund the industry. When the recommendations in the report have been implemented by the Minister, Deputy Coveney, funding will be made available from sources that should never have been taken away from the industry. I speak for myself in saying the reduction of the betting tax to 1% was crazy. Although I was 16 or 17 at the time, and was not supposed to be betting, I remember that one always paid 5 p in the pound and never minded as long as one won. What was done was stupid, irrespective of the Government in power and even if our own people were involved. It was an awful mistake and we must return to the tax regime that existed theretofore.

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