Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would welcome some clarification on these amendments. I beg to differ with Senator Ruane. The Government amendment proposes to delete line 26, whereas the Senator's amendment concerning veterinary practitioners is included in the text prior to that line. This amendment waters down my amendment, which was accepted on Committee Stage, providing that there would be representation from the independent small tracks, and the owners, breeders and trainers. The provision regarding veterinary practitioners remains. In opposing this amendment, which waters down the amendment I had passed on the last occasion, I will not be interfering with the provision on representation from among veterinary practitioners because that is provided for prior to line 26.

To reiterate what I said on the last occasion, it is vitally important that independent tracks are represented among the eight members of the board. I am glad Senator Ó Domhnaill is not pushing his amendment to reduce the board to six members because that figure is much too small. The board will control fixtures and the regulation of racing in this country, and if small track owners do not have a voice on it, I can guarantee, based on my experience in another area, that the board will make decisions that favour bigger tracks over independent tracks and the smaller operators will not have a voice. As Senator Ó Domhnaill stated, a representative from the owners and trainers is a person who has experience as well as knowledge. We all have some knowledge of the greyhound industry. Anyone who has been to a greyhound racing track will know how it works, how to place a bet and the principle of racing. We all have that level of knowledge but what is required here is experience and people who have had an input into the industry. My amendment, which was passed on Committee Stage, makes provision for the inclusion of such persons on the board. The Government amendment waters down my amendment and I cannot support it.