Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister, and Deputies from all parties and none, know well that is not the viewpoint on the ground. It is not good enough that the Minister abdicates responsibility to the HRI foals subcommittee or to the courts. The judge who is considering the matter is considering the fact it is a matter of such public importance that he is considering referring a case stated to the Supreme Court.

Given that we know there is disquiet across the board - all the Fine Gael Deputies here will confirm that - and in view of the fact that there is a problem at which the courts are looking, would the Minister be prepared to sit down with interested parties and discuss a fairer alternative to this situation? Is the Minister aware of the submission of any falsified documents on these matters with regard to prices? The way it is done now is very convoluted but the solution is quite simple. An invoice that shows the fee actually paid can be used to determine the levy. I do not know how in God's name is that an administrative nightmare? Shopkeepers and everybody else seem to be able to manage that. Limited and all as it is, I believe Horse Racing Ireland could manage that also.

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