Written Answers. - Horseracing Industry.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:
71
Mr. Rabbitte
asked the
Minister for Finance
his contacts with the Irish Horseracing Authority in relation to a proposed merger between the IHA, the Turf Club Association and the Association of Irish Racecourses; his views on the current split which as arisen in Irish racing as a result of the proposed merger; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[14280/00]
The primary objective of my proposal to amalgamate the IHA, the Turf Club and the other racing industry bodies was to establish an agreed governing structure which would achieve desirable rationalisation, efficiencies and other improvements within the operation of the Irish horseracing industry.
To achieve this goal, I requested that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development appoint two officials of his Department as facilitators during the consultation process, the first phase of which is now complete. In recent weeks, these two officials have met with representatives of the IHA, the Turf Club, the on-course bookmakers, the Association of Irish Racecourse Owners, the Paddy Power organisation and other industry representatives.
The preparation of an outline document for discussion will be undertaken by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development within the coming weeks, and it is envisaged that this document will provide a focus for the second phase of consultations which will take place during the summer months.
In the text of his question, the Deputy has suggested that a split of some kind has recently arisen within the industry. I do not agree that this is the case in fact. My understanding is that the discussions with the industry representatives were conducted in a positive atmosphere, and served as an opportunity to clear any possible tensions between the groups. All sides set out their respective requirements and clarified their misgivings. In broad terms, there now exists a greater understanding of the issues to be addressed, and an increased appreciation of the concerns expressed by each representative body.
It is to be expected that each body within the industry would adopt a strategy which would allow it to represent its key interests and concerns at the negotiating table but this does not constitute a split.
