Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Deputies for their contributions today. It is important that the issue is fully considered, that the funding is fully considered, and that there is very strong oversight of it. Certainly in relation to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, that is very much the case. Unlike many other funding streams, this funding comes before the Oireachtas committee every year for a full examination and a full discussion. It is also subject to a full discussion here in the Dáil. I will go to the Seanad in half an hour for a full discussion in that Chamber also. There is a lot of transparency and oversight in relation to the expenditure.

I am aware there are different views on this among many in the Chamber. It is absolutely fair that people would have different views. The Government is very clear and strong that the funding is something that should be in place and that it is very important for the two sectors. Indeed, the horse and greyhound racing sectors have developed over the years by virtue of the strong Government policies that have been put in place, and strong funding that is in place.

In his contribution, Deputy Carthy outlined that Sinn Féin does support the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. He was very clear and very strong on that. I will be going to the Seanad now where no doubt Senator Boylan will be a lot less clear and a lot less strong and it and will give the impression that she is very much against the funding. I do not know from Deputy Carthy's contribution whether he will actually vote for the fund this year or not-----

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