Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 927: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which issues affecting the future of the Punchestown Race Course and events have been satisfactorily resolved; if the issues involving a club's (details supplied) interests have been addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30037/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Chairman of the Kildare Hunt Club wrote to me on 27th July 2006 concerning the present situation at Punchestown Racecourse. In my response of 1st August 2006, I outlined my disappointment at the ongoing differences within the Kildare Hunt Club and I urged the Club to immediately implement the joint venture with Horse Racing Ireland approved by its members in 2002 and recommended by the Dáil Committee on Public Accounts in January 2004.

Since then I understand that a proposal made by Horse Racing Ireland regarding the future terms of a joint venture with the Kildare Hunt Club has been accepted by the Chairman and Executive Committee of that Club and, once ratified by the membership of the Club, will provide a sound basis for the future management of Punchestown.