Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I should be able to leave a couple of minutes for the Minister to reply. The first issue I wish to raise is that of the harness racing sector. I am referring to safe and professionally run harness racing that takes place on tracks throughout Ireland, particularly in my constituency of Cork South-West. In west Cork, harness racing is a very popular activity which is the highlight of the summer for many people and brings a significant amount of vibrancy to various parts of west Cork. Those in the sector have a simple request. There is an application on the Minister's desk for some element of funding. Obviously, a large amount of funding goes towards the thoroughbred industry and horse racing and that is fantastic and I fully endorse it, but the Irish Harness Racing Association is looking for just a small fraction of that funding. I implore the Minister to look favourably on that application because it is a fantastic traditional sport that is enjoyed by so many.

I raise the issue of veterinary medicinal products or licensed merchant products. I understand that from January of next year farmers will require a veterinary prescription to access anti-parasitic veterinary medicinal products. That will have significant implications. Obviously, it will have cost implications for the farmer. There are issues in terms of the access farmers will have to veterinarians, especially in peripheral parts of Ireland where they will not have the ease of access they will need. There will also be animal welfare issues, as the Minister can imagine. I understand there is a derogation that can be implemented whereby existing licensed merchants can continue to issue prescriptions for these veterinary medicinal products. That would be of significant benefit to farmers going forward.

I wish to echo the concerns raised by other Deputies with regard to point-to-point racing. I would love to know the measures that will be taken to cushion the impact the cancellation of point-to-point racing has had on the entire thoroughbred industry. The Minister should rest assured that it is having a significant impact on breeders, trainers and owners. When can we expect point-to-point racing to return? It is of vital importance throughout the country.

Most Deputies who have spoken have raised the issue of forestry licences and the difficulties that still exist, including the bureaucracy and red tape and the length of time involved. I know of a young farmer in west Cork who is now on his or her fourth attempt to get a forestry licence but the commissioner is still coming back for more information. The House passed the Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the number of staff in the Forestry Service has been increased, but those measures do not seem to be working yet, even though they ought to be. I would really like to see movement on this issue.

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