Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. In these modern times when we have so many ways to stimulate activity into the economy and we have so many high-tech jobs and pharmaceutical jobs, it is fantastic that the tradition of horseracing and greyhound racing, which have been with us for centuries as part of our history, is to the fore allowing us to present ourselves on an international stage. The figures the Minister of State has laid before us prove that we are making a success out of something that is dear to so many people's hearts. There is much pride in our bloodstock that is in such demand considering the size of our country. We can be proud that horses and jockeys from this country feature internationally.

As has been said, Bord na gCon and Horse Racing Ireland have been funded every year since the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001. This is a technicality in that the consent of the Houses is required for this €80 million to be split 80:20 between Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon. The evidence of the success of the investment is there. The Irish thoroughbred industry report update from 2013 gives the figures the Minister of State outlined of €1.6 billion in economic output and 24,000 jobs underpinned. We know those jobs are in the horse breeding and dog breeding sectors. In addition there are jobs in hospitality with 1 million people attending horseracing events with significant numbers also visiting our greyhound tracks. People are getting entertainment and it supports the hospitality sector and international tourism; it is good all round.

The area of corporate governance is very important. When we are giving taxpayers' money it needs to be spent in line with what we envisage for it. I am delighted that arising from the recommendation from the Indecon report we saw the Horse Racing Ireland Act come into law. There will be further legislation as has been mentioned - the greyhound industry Bill.

Betting is a big feature of horseracing and greyhound racing. I would like to see the Government introduce a gambling control Bill which has been discussed for some time. The Minister of State referred to the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015, which deals with taxation. Some of legislation that regulates betting from a social point of view is 80 years old and some of it is 50 years old. We need to make it fit for purpose and protect vulnerable people, especially minors, who might get a gambling addiction. Considerable work needs to be done there and the Government should give it priority.