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

If we are wrong, why are the people involved in the committees indicating this provision should be removed because it only allows the Minister to control the integrity of point-to-point race meetings? This is a serious issue for them. Why do they believe their right to govern and administer the sport which they have had for over 100 years is being impacted on? If we are wrong, why do they believe this is the case? There have been numerous communications between them and the Minister and as far as they are concerned, the legislation delimits their rights in these areas and only allows the Minister to administer and control the integrity of point-to-point race meetings. It is for that reason our amendment seeks to delete the word "governance" and substitute "(other than the administration of point-to-point racing)". I know that the Minister is very quick, sharp and perceptive, but I cannot for the life of me understand why he is so doggedly opposed to accepting even one of our amendments. I would not care which one he accepted.

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