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

I will not cross swords with the Minister for the sake of it. As most people say, the Minister listens and gives us a fair hearing, whether we disagree or not. There will be reasonable requirements for the Racing Regulatory Body to effect various deductions and it is important that is not taken into account in allocating its budget. It could be denuded or weakened. The body has served us very well over many years. It is independent in its functions and infrastructure and jealously guards that independence. One can understand that. It works well with HRI. The Racing Regulatory Body is the Turf Club and has been independent of the horse racing industry for more than 200 years. HRI is the body charged with promotion of horse racing in Ireland. It is important that any reasonable deductions that are vouched and verified as requirements of the Racing Regulatory Body would be allowed for to ensure that it remains independent in its function and infrastructure. It is not going to break the bank but this is to ensure that it continues its role and gets the reasonable moneys required. It has never been extravagant in dispensing its functions. I would like the Minister to accept the amendment if at all possible.

See this speech in context