Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I was referred to in a debate yesterday as Ned O'Shea. I am beginning to enjoy the anonymity of it all.

It might be timely to have a debate on the Irish horse-racing industry, especially in light of the recent great news from China, whereby the Chinese will attempt to establish a racing industry of their own, based on the Irish model and using the expertise and knowledge of our Irish trainers and all that goes with that. This is a significant success and I compliment Horse Racing Ireland and everyone in the racing industry and also the Minister, Deputy Coveney, for achieving this arrangement for Ireland. This will underpin further the importance of the racing industry to the country in which thousands are employed. It is not an exclusive sport by any means because it is for everybody. Every housewife in the country had a few shillings on the grand national and next week there will be the great flagship show piece in Punchestown where all the world will see the very best of racing and the very best of sport. I ask the Leader to consider arranging such a debate in due course so that we can highlight even further what is one of the treasures of the Irish economy.