James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for taking this debate. I want to raise the issue of the damage that was done at Ballycotton pier last weekend. I had the chance to speak directly to the Minister about it but I am asking today that he and his officials engage with Cork County Council to ensure the funding that is required for the repairs is given swiftly. There is an urgency to this matter given the importance of the pier to Ballycotton as a village and tourist hub and for the fishing industry there.

I want to talk about the situation in regard to point-to-point racing. As the Minister is aware, my family is heavily involved in thoroughbred breeding and horse racing in Ireland. However, I am speaking today on behalf of the thousands of people in Cork East whose livelihoods depend on the point-to-point industry, thoroughbred breeding and the training of horses for racing. The damage that is being done by the decision of the Department to delay the return of point-to-point racing is significant, but we are not yet in a situation where it is irretrievable. I ask the Minister to act urgently to allow the resumption of point-to-point racing. As he has acknowledged, there is a very delicate ecosystem in terms of breeding and the impact it has on racing pedigrees and, later in the year, on sales. We need to ensure horses are allowed the opportunity to run in order to build their pedigrees. It is important that urgent action be taken in this particular area. I ask the Minister to respond to that point.

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