Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Andrew Doyle, for the work they are doing in this area. I welcome the proposal to provide additional funding for the horse and greyhound racing industries. There will be critics who see this as money badly spent, but the Minister must remind them of the number of jobs created by the industries and the tremendous revenue they generate for the Exchequer. It has been a traumatic year for the greyhound industry, with the sad closure of the Harold's Cross track. I hope the industry can move on from it and secure the future of the remaining major tracks.

I agree with Deputy Jackie Cahill that while betting tax will have to increase down the road, a proviso should be implemented to minimise the effect on on-course bookmakers who provide an invaluable service and are part of what attracts people to track racing. They keep the crowds up and engage people in great banter, as we see on television.

It is important to look after on-course bookies, many of whom are sole traders. I thank the Minister as we seem to be moving forward with funding for horses, but he should not forget trotting, an activity which is growing.

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