Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Murphy is right that pony racing gets to the heart of the rural pursuits that are so intrinsic to so much of our history. It is so important. That is why the engagement that is happening between the HRI and the IHRB about strengthening those connections matters because, for a long time, pony racing has stood on its own and managed without support but also without that close contact. Any dialogue taking place about its future and which gives the opportunity for the pony racing organisations to highlight and verbalise exactly where they see the threats to the future of the organisation is very much to be welcomed. The briefing back to the Minister on this point has been that there will be further engagement between Horse Racing Ireland, the IHRB and the pony racing associations. I thank the Senator for raising this important issue.