Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to have an opportunity to speak for a few moments on this important legislation. I thank the Minister for introducing it.

One of the things we are aware of in respect of the racing industry is its importance as an economic entity. It is peculiar in the sense that it combines business, employment and recreation. It is an industry that generates extensive local support from the towns and villages associated with the various stud farms, trainers and horses, as we all know. Sometimes the horses do not run fast enough, but their intentions are genuine most of the time.

I compliment the Minister on his input to the racing industry since he came into office. It is important to ensure that the industry, as it stands, grows, prospers and develops in this country. We have now achieved a worldwide status which is growing, and with that growth comes significant employment potential. We can now take our place in any of the main racecourses worldwide and distinguish ourselves, and have done so repeatedly over the past number of years. That was a major goal some years ago, but it has developed to the extent that it is now expected. That has come as a result of careful governance, breeding, the encouragement of various strains over a long number of years and continued investment in the industry. However, that stands in stark contrast to the 1960s, when most of our breeding stock left the country or were sold off at an early stage. The fact that horses are now being kept, raced and go to stud at home is a major boost for the sector. Ultimately, that will result in a major improvement in employment and employment prospects.

I congratulate in particular the extent to which everybody involved continues to take an interest in the future and well-being of the industry, whether it is racecourses, owners, trainers or the betting fraternity. When one goes to a racecourse, one is always welcomed and made to feel at home, something that applies to visitors as well. At the Punchestown Festival, I met a woman who had not been to Ireland for many years - she told me it was her first visit in 45 years - and that it was well worth the wait. It was as good an accolade as one could extend to the industry.

The Minister recently visited the Irish Equine Centre in Johnstown and saw the work being done there. I have a special interest in the centre because it was very good to me in years gone by, something I will never forget, in particular in regard to my involvement in this House. It has done a tremendous amount of work and has increased standards in terms of the services it provides up to international levels. It can do more with more, something I know the Minister is well disposed towards, and his preferred option would be to encourage and protect the sector.

I refer to forensic areas such as Backweston, for example, where we need to compete with countries all over the world in the degree to which we have science and facilities to follow the industry, ensure that it adheres to the highest possible standards and that we are in a position to compete with forensics anywhere in the world. We should not have to send samples abroad, wait for them to return or wait for a decision made by somebody else. It is very important that we have scientists here, continue to encourage them and ensure that the required resources are made available. I know the Minister is well disposed to doing just that and he will continue to do so.

I mentioned the extent to which business, industry and recreation is combined in the Bill. I do not want to delay the debate, but no other industry so well combines the entrepreneurial efforts and skills of so many constituent bodies so effectively. At the same time, it creates an area for the enjoyment of the general public in a celebratory mode, and long may that continue.

It goes without saying that the continued emphasis on good breeding practices needs to continue. We need to keep in place the means and wherewithal to retain and race the best strains in this country. As a result of establishing their credentials here, they will be able to continue to travel worldwide and be a flagship for the Irish industry.

In a previous incarnation, I visited two of the stables owned by the ruler of Dubai, in the company of the late head of the National Stud. Seeing the facilities provided there made me realise the major investment made in the horse racing industry in areas that did not necessarily compete - they have a number of studs in this country. It remains a challenge to us in this country to ensure that we can continue to compete with those with whom we associate in the industry at home and abroad.

I again congratulate the Minister on the work he has already done with the industry. I have no doubt he is well committed to it. He understands and knows it well, which is always a help.

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