Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to take up the baton Deputy Ó Cuív has extended to me and also compliment the Minister on the professionalism he has applied to the legislative process and to explaining and presenting his legislation.

The point that was made was that the media rights committee with its five members would be a lesser body without a member from the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners. As Deputy Ó Cuív noted, these people will ensure that they have the best listening hear, the best contacts and the best touch in respect of media rights and the interests of all. Even if the sub-committee was to be overseen or appraised by HRI, it is not the same thing. One needs close quarter to get the best. One will also see the operation of the other four members and whether they are up to scratch. There is a mutual auditing function in having a member of the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners. We would fall short of the excellence that would be achieved if we did not include a member from the association. The Minister said he understood the reasons that were put forward. If he understands them, he should not hesitate to carry the baton and put it into the legislation. There is nothing to be afraid of.

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