Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have given a lot of time away already. It is important to understand how this will work. I am quite happy with the Minister's assurance, but I still believe point to point races should be excluded. If one looks at it from a legal perspective, I wonder if the commitment that was given in 2001 will stand up to scrutiny in the context of the Bill. That is all I am putting out. I am entitled to put it out. The Minister says that everything is protected and I accept his word. I am putting it out to make sure. Point to points are pivotal to the racing industry. While only 10% to 20% of the horses go on to race on courses, it is very often the poor person's way of getting into and enjoying racing. That is extremely important.

I notice the Minister did not interject when I was speaking about media rights and, as such, I assume there was nothing wrong with what I said. I assume we will have the appropriate amendments on Committee Stage to address the concerns I have echoed in relation to media rights.

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