The purpose of this meeting is to consider the Order in draft of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2010. I welcome the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Martin Cullen, and his official, Mr. Donagh Morgan, Assistant Secretary and thank them for their attendance.
Regarding these regulations, Dáil Éireann passed the following Order on 19 January 2010:
"That the proposal that Dáil Éireann approved the following Order in draft:
Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2010,
A copy of which Order in draft was laid before Dáil Éireann on 15 December, 2009, be referred to the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in accordance with paragraph (2) of the Orders of Reference of that committee, which, not later than 4 February 2010 shall send a message to the Dáil in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 87, and Standing Order 86(2) shall accordingly apply.
Similarly Seanad Éireann passed the following Order on 20 January 2010:
"That the proposal that Seanad Éireann approved the following Order in draft:
Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2010,
A copy of which Order in draft was laid before Seanad Éireann on 15 December 2009, be referred to the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in accordance with paragraph (1) Seanad of the Orders of Reference of that committee, which, not later than 4 February 2010, shall send a message to the Seanad in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 72, and Standing Order 74(2) shall accordingly apply."
Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
Before I ask the Minister to make his opening address, I will say a few words.
The horse and greyhound racing industries make a significant contribution to the economy. They form a key aspect of Irish culture and accordingly are very important to the people in rural and urban areas. Therefore, it is essential from an economic and cultural perspective that they are supported adequately to ensure that they prosper. They are the source of thousands of jobs throughout Ireland, rural and urban, and investment in the whole area is crucial. Although the allocation has been reduced by 13% on last year I am in no doubt that this money, if spent wisely and carefully, will make a significant contribution to the industry.