Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In respect of all of the accusations the Deputy raises, it is interesting to note that the members of the board represent the various interest groups in the industry, including owners, breeders and staff. The full range of sectoral interests in the industry is reflected in the board. In theory, this should give rise to an appropriate consideration of all of the competing interests for scarce resources. I referred to the geographical spread of the resources provided to improve racing facilities for punters. This is manifestly broad in horse racing. Every industry with the significance of horse racing needs a flagship. The IRFU and the FAI have the Aviva stadium, the GAA has Croke Park and the horse racing industry also needs a flagship venue which will be the redeveloped Curragh racetrack. However, investment is spread across the country.

The various constituent members of the board are best positioned to articulate the competing demands for funding, of which there are many. We discussed the local issues of concern raised by Deputy Martin Kenny, on all of which the board, in its wisdom, is obliged to reflect. In terms of the decisions it makes in the allocation of funds, the audited accounts are available for public scrutiny and subject to commentary by the Comptroller and Auditor General. There are appropriate checks and balances. The alternative, that the Department micro-manage the industry, would not be appropriate. The composition of the board reflects the various elements of the horse racing industry. Horse Racing Ireland has, by and large, maintained Ireland's international standing as a leading player in the horse racing industry.

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