Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House to discuss the Horse Racing Ireland Bill. The Bill amends the Horseracing Industry Act 1994 and the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, the core legislation on the governing structures for the horseracing industry in Ireland. The Bill increases ministerial representation on the board of Horse Racing Ireland, amends the general functions of HRI, alters the structure of HRI’s statutory committees and outlines the general functions of the Racing Regulatory Body. It also provides for the reform of certain administrative functions and the related payment of funds from the HRI to the RRB. Certain provisions relating to control and accountability apply equally to HRI and Bord na gCon.

The Bill originated following an Indecon review of certain aspects of the Irish horseracing industry and a report conducted by Smith and Williamson that made recommendations estimated to save €1.8 million. The Irish sport horse industry is worth more than €708 million to the economy per annum and provides more than 12,000 full-time equivalent jobs. The horse industry is part of our heritage and tradition and we should do all we can to allow it to prosper. For that reason I am delighted to see the Bill in the House.

The Bill will change the composition of the board of Horse Racing Ireland, the commercial State body that is the national authority for horseracing in Ireland, responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the industry. Currently the Minister only nominates the chairperson and one other member of the board. The Indecon report highlights this as a matter of concern. Owing to the level of governance, further ministerial control over the process of decision making on the HRI board is required. Section 4 of the Bill allows for three ministerial nominees.

The Bill also proposes that payments from the horse and greyhound fund will only be made on the basis of the implementation of satisfactory business plans. Section 14 provides for greater scrutiny on the disbursement of State funds. This is to be welcomed, as it will ensure there is no wastage of State funds.

The Bill will also establish two new sub-committees to represent the betting sector and the industry services committee, representing the workers and employers. Under the provisions of the Bill, HRI will be subject to a legal requirement to comply with Government directives on governance. Other elements of the Bill relate to corporate implementation of the Bill. For example, the accounts of the RRB will now be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and published.

The Bill updates the functions of HRI. As I mentioned previously, it is important we do all we can to ensure the continued success of the Irish horse industry. I am a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and Marine, and the committee frequently considers and discusses the industry. Today we published the report on the Irish horse industry, which made many recommendations.

I commend the Bill to the House and look forward to the Minister's further comments. The Bill will make our horse industry and governing bodies more efficient and effective. Ireland has the potential to maintain a world-class horse industry and it is important we do all we can to encourage this.