Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to level the playing field and all sectors need to be sorted out. The enactment of the Bill will help in levelling the playing field.

Regarding the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, we should not underestimate the value of horseracing, HRI and Bord na gCon to rural economies. There has been considerable action in respect of Bord na gCon in recent weeks and it has been dealt with. There are a large number of jobs in remote rural areas. A big operation in my constituency of Tipperary employs well over 1,000 people. We should never forget that applies to all rural constituencies. The downstream jobs provide a huge benefit to the economy. Some of us living in rural areas understand that. However, some people do not understand the impact of that industry and the benefit it provides to our country.

Consequently, I hope that with the enactment of this legislation and with more funding available - the Minister, Deputy Noonan, has given that commitment and I hope it will happen - jobs will be protected. Ultimately, this is about the protection of jobs and the creation of jobs in rural areas. There is potential revenue to come in from across the water and from all over the world, because Ireland has a top-class product and its dogs and horses are recognised worldwide. This is an industry to which insufficient attention has been paid in the past and if it is looked after properly, it has real potential.

See this speech in context