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Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Jun 2001

Vol. 167 No. 6

Horse and Greyhound Racing Bill, 2001: Second Stage.

Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."

I am glad to be in the House with further legislation regarding horse and greyhound racing, sectors which, during my time as Minister, I am pleased to have been able to improve in terms of structure and funding. I express my appreciation to Members of the House for taking this legislation today. Senator Cosgrave and his family have a long and distinguished interest in the horse racing industry and I will be happy to elaborate and clarify matters during the debate.

There was consensus on, support for and constructive debate on this legislation in the Dáil. I was pleased to accept a number of amendments on Committee and Report Stages which strengthen and improve the Bill.

Following the establishment of the IHA in 1994 and the new financing arrangements for the horse and greyhound industries in 1999, the raison d'être of the Bill is to secure the future of Irish racing. Up to 1994 racing had seen little change for 50 years, since the establishment of the old Racing Board in 1945. The number of times the fate of either the horse or greyhound racing industries was discussed in the Oireachtas was very few and, hence, I make no apologies for coming back to this subject as much as is required to get things right and put matters on a sound footing for the foreseeable future.

Senators will be aware that it was not an easy task to get industry agreement to the full package of measures in this Bill. It represents the most radical change ever contemplated for the sector and change of this nature is never easy. I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all those industry leaders who contributed to the process of negotiating the final agreement that underpins this legislation.

In an area such as this one we cannot simply make laws and enforce them as one would for criminal activities; the law in this case has to be a blueprint for development. It represents only the framework within which the industries can move forward. After that, it takes much hard work, commitment, dedication and vision on the part of the people involved to make things happen and to shape the future.

In this legislation we have finally arrived at an excellent structure and funding arrangement which is unique and ideally suited to the needs of Irish racing. It provides a degree of certainty for the future concerning funding resources for the development of the industry.

Widespread industry agreement on this formula means that we will secure the drive and commitment to get the most out of it. We have the people and the skills, and we are now putting in place the structure and resources. Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon will have to plot the way forward and with everybody's active support I predict a solid and competitive performance ahead for both sectors on the national and international stage, as well as exciting times for all those involved.

I was happy to see the proposals receiving such extensive support in the Dáil and I expect that Members of Seanad Éireann will also welcome these developments. Many Members of this House enjoy the sport and are actively involved. I wish to state my own vested interest in that I have, along with a number of Members of both Houses of the Oireachtas, a small investment in a greyhound called Lotto Princess. The dog is owned by a syndicate of Members called the Leinster Lawn syndicate. I was also fortunate enough to become involved in the Grand Alliance syndicate that purchased Arctic Copper. I vowed that I would not be left out of the greyhound business. That is the disclosure I wish to make.

In the Dáil debate it was not possible to agree on all the details but I am sure most people will accept that there is a single-minded consensus on the substantive issues. The horse and greyhound breeding and racing industries were long overdue this kind of overhaul treatment. I am particularly glad about the £200 million cap on funding, which will give this House and the Dáil an opportunity to debate the important horse and greyhound industries every three to four years. This is as it should be. They should not have to depend on the interest of the Minister of the day in racing to have a fundamental review of activities, performance and general direction.

The Government attaches a strategic importance to racing because of the roughly 30,000 people who are employed in these industries and the significant contribution the sector as a whole makes to rural development, farm and other incomes, the business and services sectors, tourism, the economy and the international reputation of the State. Racing also makes a significant contribution to the buoyant £1 billion off-course betting market. There is scarcely a town or village in the country that does not benefit in some way from these activities.

Ireland is recognised as one of the leading countries in the world for the production of quality thoroughbred horses and greyhounds. Our natural resources are ideal for the purpose and Irish people have a breadth and depth of innate skills and experience in the breeding, handling, rearing and training of these often extremely valuable animals. This combination can scarcely be matched elsewhere.

The last five years have seen the number of thoroughbred horses being registered annually here rise by over 20%, with a similar increase in the number of runners. The gross value of our thoroughbred sales has more than doubled to near £100 million in that time. The IHA company, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, has been working hard to ensure that we get our fair share of growth in existing markets and new markets worldwide. In the past year alone, ITM has conducted an unprecedented number of promotional visits to 25 established or potential markets for Irish thoroughbreds. It has set up an excellent website on the Internet and distributes information on Irish horses to over 2,500 contacts in 64 countries. It operates an extremely successful inward buyer programme.

The result is a huge increase, in percentage terms, in customers for our horses coming from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Tunisia. There is still potential growth to be experienced in the trade to Turkey. Of the emerging markets, Spain and Greece are showing great promise and other countries which offer serious potential include China, Korea, Saudi Arabia and South America.

Ireland has always been regarded as the home of the best racing greyhounds. However, when the racing sector was in decline here for lack of investment in and promotion of the sport, there was a serious knock-on effect on the breeding front. Since the home industry has been rejuvenated over the last five years or so, prices for our quality greyhounds have risen and our markets have opened up again. The Leinster Lawn syndicate got some idea of the increase in prices of greyhounds in recent times. We export Irish greyhounds to the UK, the US, Australia and many European countries. Nevertheless, there remains a big job of work to be done in developing existing markets and exploring new ones.

We have never been short here of world class thoroughbred horses and greyhounds, and famous breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys whom we can rightly describe as legends in their own time. Last year alone, Irish-bred horses won 30 group 1 races around the world. The highlights included the record-breaking performance of Sinndar who won the Irish Derby, the Epsom Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe; Istabraq's outstanding run at Cheltenham; Papillon's win in the Aintree Grand National; and the Irish-trained Giant's Causeway who ran in eight group 1 races and won five. Just last week, Imagine and Galileo were added to that long list, having won the Epsom Oaks and Epsom Derby respectively.

Just as important, and some would say even more so, are the human heroes behind those horses, the youthful Aidan O'Brien, John Oxx, Ted and Ruby Walsh, and another father and son combination, Tommy and Paul Carbery. I must also mention the legendary Vincent O'Brien who has been our most famous ambassador as a renowned trainer under both codes – national hunt and flat. Johnny Murtagh had a tremendous year in 2000, riding 12 group 1 winners and Michael Kinane came a close second with 11 such wins.

I also wish to mention Paul Hennessy, an outstanding greyhound trainer. His latest achievement has been the performance of the Late Late Show greyhound. Mr. Hennessy's dogs have won a substantial number of major races, including some of the classics, yet he is still only in his twenties. Both Mr. Hennessy and Mr. Aidan O'Brien are great examples of the young people who are coming through the system and swiftly reaching the top of their sporting sectors.

Irish-bred and trained greyhounds have been winning consistently at home and abroad. Bord na gCon finds it difficult every year to choose its hall of fame award winner, such is the large number of successful and extremely committed greyhound breeders, owners and trainers in the industry. This year, the award went to Pat Dalton, a Tipperary man, who is as well known in the US as he is here for the extremely high quality of his greyhound breeding and racing on the international scene. Mr. Dalton is generally regarded as Ireland's leading ambassador worldwide for the greyhound industry. I had the pleasure of presenting the award recently at a most impressive ceremony in Shelbourne Park.

Before I leave the subject of breeding and rearing horses and greyhounds, and the people involved, I would like to record my thanks and appreciation for their co-operation and commitment on the foot and mouth disease issue. This was one of our bigger challenges in recent times and presented for all of us many tense occasions and situations. The response from those involved in agriculture and the public generally was tremendous. Foot and mouth disease galvanised the whole country into extraordinary action on a single issue with one goal in sight.

I hope we are close to the end of the crisis, but it is not over. Events in Britain continue to cause concern with an average of four to five cases revealed every day. Thanks to a great effort by all, we have been successful in keeping foot and mouth disease out and we must continue to be vigilant. I take this opportunity to thank those in the horse and greyhound industries for their voluntary, enthusiastic and proactive stance since February. There were many times when it must have been extremely difficult for most of them.

If we have any doubts about the merits of the level of investment proposed in this legislation we need only look at the performance of these industries over the last five years and see their capacity for growth and development. Attendances at horseracing have grown from about one million to over 1.35 million people and on-course betting has jumped from £96 million to over £160 million. Prize money has justifiably shot up from £14 million to almost £25 million, with the contribution of sponsors and owners also increasing. I have already outlined the consequential and significant growth achieved in the breeding and sales of thoroughbreds over the same period.

Proportionately, the greyhound sector has seen an even faster rate of growth. Attendances have grown from just over half a million to 900,000 people and the one million target is expected to be broken this year. On-track betting has jumped from £23 million to over £53 million and prize money has more than doubled, rising from £1.9 million to about £4 million when we include the welcome development of the recently introduced special incentive schemes for racing. The contribution of sponsors to greyhound events is also increasing.

This is an appropriate time to introduce legislation putting these industries on a stronger, more secure footing for the future. Despite progress and growth, both sectors operate in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment. The time has come to introduce fundamental changes.

That is the general background to the legislation. Its essential purpose is to put funding, support and resources for the industry on a sound footing and to introduce certainty, enabling those who guide and develop it to plan in the medium and long terms. I will be glad to go through the detail of the Bill for the House later today but now I wish to give Members as great an opportunity as possible to make their contributions.

I welcome the Minister to the House. This is a subject much discussed inside and outside the House by some of the Members present. As an obviously interested participator and spectator in the Grand Alliance, I wish the Minister and his colleagues luck with Lotto Princess in her imminent debut. If the syndicate has the same enjoyment and success as the Grand Alliance has had it will be going places. We will all be watching.

There has been much discussion and various viewpoints have been taken on board, which was not without difficulty given the historical interests of the Turf Club, racing board and other interested parties. The Minister has accepted amendments in the Dáil and has now got as near to having the right package as can be expected. What we want now is to move the Bill on and I am happy to have all Stages go through today. If there are a few questions on Committee Stage or there needs to be clarification I am sure the Minister and his officials will be glad to provide answers.

We have seen racing change and become a greater spectator sport and greater entertainment. More people now enjoy a day at the races or a night at the dogs and there are more corporate facilities. We can be proud of having a good product and in certain areas we can hopefully improve it.

I mention in passing some of the great festivals, the big national hunt days and the Irish Derby but there are other days where you have what we call a bad card, one full of maidens and odds-on shots which take place in small fields. That has to be looked at. We have flagship studs like Coolmore with the expensive yearlings and the horses that will go on to success. I think of Galileo and Imagine in recent days. However, there is the other end of the market where we find the smaller breeder at the sales and we have to achieve a balance whereby the smaller investors and syndicate or club owners get their return.

Clubs and syndicates bring a lot of extra people to tracks. There are 17 members of the syndicate I am involved in and while it is a rare day when all travel, it is usual for 12 or 14 to do so with their supporters, their entourages and their drivers. Tracks have to look at better facilities and simple things like extra badges because the more those who attend enjoy themselves – particularly those who do so casually – the more often they will return.

This has been a difficult year for the racing industry and some great events were lost to us, such as Cheltenham, but I compliment the industry on the way it handled itself. I also compliment the Minister and the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Deputy Davern, who led the effort. They got co-operation from the Houses of the Oireachtas, from farmers and from the racing industry. Some people were badly discommoded and at a financial loss – such as those in the tourism industry – and while there might have been the odd tetchy moment along the way we were able to respond in the national interest. We showed what we could do by facing the problem together.

The report of an inter-departmental task force on the future management of the Curragh of Kildare came out in May 1999. There are various interests involved like the Department of Defence, the racing industry and sheep farmers. It is a massive expanse of land. I am not saying there are not a few things which could be done better there, but I am wondering if there is to be a further response to that report. It is, as Senator Dardis knows well, a tremendous tract of land and there are inter-related uses of it. It should be used slightly more extensively without causing the problems that may arise when extra people come in, which range from rubbish to damage caused by fires. One must be careful. Does the Minister have any opinions on the report which came out two years ago?

I have raised Leopardstown Racecourse, the flagship track, on a number of occasions. I am glad there is some progress on the part of the council, of which I am a member, and the racing authority regarding the M50 roadway. I and many others are concerned by the way in which the roadway is proceeding. If works commence, will there be a knock-on effect for the tract of land near the two fences past the stand? Will that land be affected? We saw what happened with Punchestown and Doncaster. Putting down tracks is not like putting down tarmacadam and we are talking about horses worth £3 million or £4 million running on the track. I do not know if the Minister has any update on Cheltenham but we hope there will be some progress which enables the autumn meetings to be held at Punchestown.

I still believe that the construction of a new six furlong track at Leopardstown is fraught with difficulty. It is important that Dublin holds its last track. I hope I am around to see Group 1 Heinz winners on that track but the reality is that a track is being considered for where trees and stables are at present. I am not a total expert but I do have some knowledge of laying grounds. Some of these excavators and builders are not thinking in terms of racing, they are thinking of the roadway. As the land goes down towards the roundabout, perhaps it could be shaped like a runway. The Minister should pass on our concerns about Leopardstown.

This industry has its highs and lows. The Minister mentioned people like Aidan O'Brien, Ted and Ruby Walsh, Paul and Tommy Carbery and John Oxx. We have had great moments in the last 12 to 18 months but there have also been downsides. A young amateur was killed at Punchestown and Shane Broderick suffered a serious fall within a few months of his great race at Cheltenham. That side of the industry should also be looked at, whether it is the stable lads or the jockeys' benevolent fund. Some part of the cake should be allocated for them as there are hardship cases involving smaller trainers and jockeys who get a couple of spare mounts. Those who raised money for Shane Broderick are to be complimented but there may be other injured people who were not looked after quite as well. It is great to see winners but there is also a downside which the Minister should address.

Obviously I am interested in how this media process will work. It is important we sell the tracks well and the sport should get the widest possible coverage on RTÉ, Channel 4 and other new channels. RTÉ may or may not have programmes the public likes but many Members would have loved "Airs and Races" with Val Joyce, which was axed. There is still coverage but at times one does not get the build-up to a race, one would nearly get a rerun of "Lassie" quicker than an update on a prominent racing event. Sinndar won last year's Arc but many in two channel land, for want of a better description, could not see it. RTÉ was able to make arrangements for big matches in certain competitions and it should be open to us to make adjustments. If the public demand is there, it should be possible to get something, it should not be beyond the bounds of possibility. How is funding to be determined? I am aware there will be a report here and assume there will be annual reports, as was the case previously. We have a good product but we can make it better.

I am more knowledgeable about horse racing but the improvements to the dog tracks at Harold's Cross and Shelbourne should be replicated at other tracks. Fine Gael held a fund-raiser at Shelbourne Park.

Fine Gael has gone to the dogs again.

A Dáil colleague also held a function there and it is a very popular evening's entertainment. For a relatively small sum people can book rooms and get a free drink or bet. Offices all over town organise nights out there and if the product is good and the comfort is there, people will come back. We must look at providing food, comfort and heating at racetracks. If one is in Navan, one should be able to see how the big race at Cheltenham or Ascot is going. The consumer must be looked after.

I welcome the establishment of a racecourse consultative forum in section 9. The Racing Club of Ireland has done great work under Kevin Smith and it is good to have a forum where the punter or consumer, as distinct from the others involved, can discuss their concerns in a structured way.

I may have more questions on Committee Stage but the Minister might address the points I have raised. We support the Bill and the industry and wish those working within it every success. In that regard, we are anxious that the Bill gets through all Stages today.

Before I address the Bill, I want to explain my part in the mix-up in the ordering of today's business. Senator Tom Fitzgerald said that it was his fault. He received a request from a Member to have this item taken first today. I was that Member. Another Member in my group was also anxious to have this item taken first. I asked Senator Fitzgerald whether it would be possible to have this item taken first and he told me it would not. He told me that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development had a meeting at this time and would find it difficult to attend. I conveyed this information to the chairman of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine who consulted the Minister. It was then understood that the Minister was anxious to have this item taken first. I returned with this news only to be told that the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Tom Kitt, was anxious to have the Carer's Leave Bill, 2000, taken first. I did not know that this item was to be taken first today until Senator Cosgrave informed me of this at 9.45 a.m. I apologise for any mix-up caused, especially to Fine Gael Members in the Seanad. I will be slow to ask for a change in the Order of Business in the future.

I welcome the Minister and compliment him on introducing the Horse and Greyhound Racing Bill, 2001. It is necessary legislation which will help give both horse and greyhound racing the development they need. I compliment the Minister on the way in which the Bill was arranged on a consultative basis with the relevant interests, including the Racing Board, Bord na gCon and others. All have welcomed the Bill.

Racing's contribution to the State is important, as the Minister mentioned. He said that the Government attaches strategic importance to racing because of the 30,000 people employed in the industry, and because of the significant contribution the sector makes to rural development, farm incomes, the business and service sectors, tourism, the economy and the international reputation of the State. This is evident, especially in rural areas where hotels are booked out when there are big festival meetings such as Listowel, the Curragh and the Derby. It is similar for one day meetings such as Mallow, or two day meetings at Tipperary, Clonmel etc. Racing also provides an income for many farmers, be they dairy or beef farmers, who may have several brood mares or other horses.

There has been significant expenditure on improving facilities in the horse racing industry and at race tracks. The industry has enjoyed tremendous success during the years in relation to horses in training, runners and prize money. The number of horses in the industry increased from 4,666 last year to 4,766 this year. Last year there were more than 25,000 runners while the figure for the previous year was just over 24,000. There was also a substantial increase in the number of races run. At many race meetings, where there are six races, this will have to be extended to seven to accommodate the increased number of runners. This happened at a recent meeting I attended at Tipperary. Prize money increased from £20.4 million in 1999 to £24.2 million last year. There has been a 74% increase in prize money since 1966, a gigantic increase in any terms. Those who have been going to the races during the past ten years have seen prize money doubled over that period, which is most encouraging for owners and trainers.

While it is important that there are Group 1 races and that the standard of Irish racing is protected, it is also wise to look after those in the industry competing for the smaller prizes. Last year, 22.5% of all races were worth in excess of £10,000. That is a huge advance and the sort of progress which must be encouraged. That is what the Bill aims to do.

Reference was made to owners' costs. When one considers that there were fewer than 5,000 horses in training last year and that prize money was just over £24 million, it is obvious that most will not make money from racing. Their investment is more about entertainment. For a small investment, people get a great payback. There is a wonderful social side to racing. This is what we must encourage. It was once said in relation to horseracing that if one wants to make a small fortune, one must invest a large fortune. Perhaps, that is truer today than ever, but people are still prepared to support the industry. There is room for large and small investors and we must treat them in a similar fashion.

In that respect – the Minister referred to this – we can talk about the syndicate or Grand Alliance among Members of this House which owns Arctic Copper. That syndicate is due to a small investment by 17 Members, including Senator Cosgrave who was the chairman of our group. A swallow never flew on one wing, and I am anxious that we might get another horse to complement the one we have.

We had best go through the proper channels.

Members may have to invest their dividends to buy another horse.

We will manage without it. There have been great improvements to race tracks throughout Ireland, including Mallow, where I often meet the Minister. He is a great supporter of racing. Mallow is a great facility, as is Tipperary which has also enjoyed recent improvements. It is magnificent, although there may still be room for further improvement. It is very comfortable to go racing at Tipperary now.

I am a member of both Tipperary and Mallow racing clubs. The Minister mentioned developments at Limerick. There is a magnificent new racecourse and facilities at Patrickswell, County Limerick. I visited it some time ago and believed that we would have racing there by now. Unfortunately, the condition of the track has prevented this. There will be no racing there until October. Perhaps the Minister can enlighten us as to the current position. I am sure he is informed and will have the honour of opening the track. I tried to become involved as a shareholder. I made inquiries – I do not know whether I was direct enough in that regard – but no one seemed interested in my application. I do not know why I was ignored but I will try again because I would like to become involved.

Racing was suspended earlier in the year as a result of the foot and mouth disease crisis. The outbreak of the disease had an impact on the racing industry here and has led to a reduction in the revenues of certain trainers, some of whom had to lay off staff when race meetings did not proceed. Many meetings were curtailed and much money, including prize money, was lost and additional expenses were incurred by owners and trainers. I compliment the Minister and the Department on the steps they took. Had they not taken action and ensured that foot and mouth disease was kept at bay, the difficulties experienced by trainers and owners would have been much worse because racing would not have resumed. The Minister must be given credit for the work he has done, particularly in conjunction with the task force, in ensuring that foot and mouth disease was kept at bay. This was vital not only for the horse racing and greyhound industries but also for the agriculture industry.

Ireland has never suffered a lack of world class thoroughbred horses and greyhounds or famous breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys, whom we can rightly describe as legends in their time. In 2000 alone, Irish bred horses won 30 group one races throughout the world. Highlights included the record-breaking performance of Sinndar which won the Irish Derby, the Epsom Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and Istabraq's outstanding run at Cheltenham. Istabraq is owned by a friend of mine, J. P. McManus, and we are all proud of his achievements. We were disappointed that because of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease the horse could not travel to Cheltenham to win his fourth Gold Cup. In addition to Sinndar and Istabraq, Papillon won last year's Aintree Grand National and the Irish Grand National. This was a great achievement for Ted and Ruby Walsh. Ted Walsh's cousin, Tom Walsh of Kildorrery, had a great success with a horse that raced in England this year. I do not recall the animal's name at present.

Function Dream.

That is correct. The horse enjoyed great success, which is a great advertisement for Irish bred horses and will provide encouragement to other breeders. Another horse, Giant's Causeway, ran in eight group one races last year and won five.

Some people would say that the human heroes behind these horses are even more important. I refer here to Aidan O'Brien, John Oxx and the family combinations of Ted and Ruby Walsh and Tommy and Paul Carbery. I must also mention the legendary Vincent O'Brien who has been our most famous ambassador as a renowned trainer under both codes – national hunt and flat. When I first began attending race meetings, there were two champion jockeys, Martin and Tim Maloney from Croom, County Limerick, who were heroes in the racing world and Liam Ward from Rathkeale who was flat champion jockey on several occasions. This year, Johnny Murtagh has enjoyed tremendous success, although newspaper reports today indicate that he has had some bad luck. However, I am sure he will overcome his difficulties and return to win further races.

Irish bred and trained greyhounds have been winning consistently at home and abroad. Bord na gCon finds it difficult every year to choose its hall of fame award winner. As the Minister indicated, this year's award was won by Pat Dalton from County Tipperary. In the past there were other great greyhound trainers from Tipperary including, Dick Ryan, who trained a number of Waterloo cup winners, and Ger McKenna, who trained many Irish Derby winners and whose brother served as a Member of this House.

I will now deal in more detail with the greyhound industry. I compliment the Minister on his foresight in providing statutory funding on an ongoing basis. This is a dream come true for the Irish Greyhound Board. It is a realisation of the hopes and aspirations of successive Bord na gCon administrations under the chairmanship of the late Dr. Paddy Maguire, the board's first chairman, and his successors, Des Hanrahan from Limerick, Noel Brassil from Kerry and the current chairman, Paschal Taggart. I compliment the chairman and members of Bord na gCon on their success in the management of the industry.

Now that the Irish greyhound industry has been assured funding, I ask the Minister to ensure that an equitable amount of this annual subvention be directed towards the coursing sector of that industry. I was involved in greyhound racing at one stage and had a runner in the Irish Coursing Derby at Clonmel. I hope coursing will not be neglected because, without it, we will not be able to breed the type of greyhounds that have gained for the industry a great reputation throughout the world.

Since the start of the last century the Irish Coursing Club regulated all aspects of greyhound sports, racing and coursing until the advent of Bord na gCon in 1958. The services provided by the club, which is based in Clonmel, are vital to the ongoing success of the Irish greyhound industry. It provides a role and function in compiling the stud book for the entire island of Ireland and ensures, with unequalled professionalism, the integrity of the Irish breed and is acknowledged worldwide for this. The Irish Coursing Club has 10,000 affiliated members on both sides of the Border. However, for reasons I cannot understand, it receives no subsidy or benefit from moneys collected from betting revenues within the industry nor from annual Government subventions to the industry. The legislation governing the Irish greyhound industry clearly defines the role, functions and responsibilities of the Irish Coursing Club in the development of the greyhound industry. I would appreciate if the Minister would ensure that adequate funding be made available to enable the ICC to continue the good work it has been doing for the greyhound industry.

There is nothing as entertaining as greyhound racing, particularly during the summer when evening meetings take place. There are great facilities on offer at the greyhound tracks in Shelbourne Park, Harold's Cross and Cork. The latter is a particularly magnificent stadium, although I have only seen it while passing by on the road and have not yet attended a meeting there. I understand its patrons can enjoy its great facilities and watch races in comfort. I am sure greyhound owners and breeders in the Munster region will benefit from having access to such a wonderful facility.

We need to continue to improve facilities in the industry. I understand that Bord na gCon is building a new greyhound track at Limerick. I do not know, but I believe the board has encountered difficulties in selling the existing track. Perhaps the Minister will recognise their efforts and give whatever help he can to ensure greyhound racing will continue at Limerick.

Going to the races and a night at the dogs are two great pastimes. There was a time when horse and dog tracks had limited and primitive facilities. That has changed thanks to the funding the Government has given and which the Minister is most keen to continue. Stadia with state-of-the-art facilities have been developed recently at greyhound racing and horse racing courses. Both sports have seen huge increases in attendances at meetings. The Bill will allow the two industries develop further and help simplify their funding, management and development. It is long overdue and will receive a near unanimous welcome from all those interested in the racing of dogs and horses.

Senator Cosgrave mentioned section 9 which provides for the establishment by Horse Racing Ireland of a special racecourse consultative programme to give racegoers generally and other interest groups affected by decisions of the HRI which use the services or facilities provided by that body and which are not directly represented on the board of HRI an opportunity to discuss their concerns in a constructive manner and present their views and proposals to the HRI for consideration. This is welcome and I compliment the Minister on inserting this section in the Bill.

I also welcome section 20 which removes completely with effect from 31 August next the flat rate charges on off-course bookmakers' shops introduced in 1999. I received a tip for a horse from a colleague yesterday and travelled to a local bookie to place my bet. I had to pay a little extra in tax, something I will not have to do after 2001. Unfortunately, the horse did not win and my bet and tax were lost.

The bright side of horse racing, such as winning, was mentioned, but Senator Cosgrave also mentioned the downside. I remember a jockey saying one time that, when he races, two ambulances follow him around the track. I highlight the unfortunate accident which befell Shane Broderick to which Senator Cosgrave referred. Horser acing lost a wonderful jockey in Shane Broderick. He was a stable jockey for a neighbour of mine, Michael Hourigan, in Patrickswell, County Limerick. That is part of the ups and downs of racing.

I am interested in racing and attend many meetings when I get the time and do not have to fulfil Seanad duties. It delights me to meet some of my colleagues, such as Senators Cosgrave and Dardis and the Minister, at those meetings. I welcome the Bill and wish it every success.

I welcome the Minister and the Bill. I congratulate him on his excellent work in the foot and mouth disease crisis. While it is not yet at an end, it is to be hoped that we are nearing it. I compliment the Minister on his calm, cool and thorough handling of the crisis. He listened to the opinions expressed on all sides.

Foot and mouth disease had a bearing on the horse racing industry. Cheltenham was cancelled as well as many other racing events. Without the Irish participating it was not likely to be a valuable meeting. I pay tribute to those owners and riders who respected the call for non-participation to protect the livestock industry and the country from the threat of foot and mouth disease.

As the Minister said, horse racing is a substantial industry with 30,000 employed and a turnover in off-course betting of £1 billion per annum. This is a sizeable amount of money. It is not all in the racing area but it forms the largest segment of betting in the country. It is important we ensure its viability and future and that the industry is sufficiently resourced in terms of the State response to funding the industry and in terms of media rights funding, which is invested in the industry and the tracks. It is also important that we attract quality thoroughbred animals which are the best in the world and that we are seen as the premier country in the world in terms of thoroughbreds, training and racecourses. This should be an exciting and attractive industry and we should be at the cutting edge in terms of progress in the area.

The greyhound industry is much smaller but it, too, has made progress recently. Greyhound racing at Shelbourne Park is now an acceptable night out. The industry has responded by making it an attractive event where people can come to eat, drink, place bets and enjoy themselves. In that regard, I welcome the fact it will now be possible for people not just to bet off-course in bookmakers but also to linger there, have a cup of tea or coffee or a soft drink and a snack and read newspapers. That is desirable.

A previous speaker referred to Giant's Causeway and a few other horses. I discovered Giant's Causeway on the way from Belfast to Ballycastle which left me desperately seeking a bookie's in Ballycastle. It was his first Group 1 race and he was at 9/1. I won on him then and have done almost always since, and that was a few years ago.

The industry is something in which we take a tremendous interest and of which we are proud. It would be a shame were we not to take it seriously to ensure it is properly funded.

I have a few concerns, one of which relates to greyhound training. We must be careful the industry is kept clear of the threat from blood sports. That is something which has been looming on the horizon for some time. If conflict arises about the manner in which greyhounds are trained, and many people have a tremendous love of animals and are abhorred by any animal being hunted or used by the industry, the industry will suffer in years to come. The situation will worsen in terms of confrontation and unacceptability in the public mind.

Another concern relates to off-course betting. The excise duty on such betting will be part of this fund, which is fine. Why then did the Minister deem it appropriate to abolish the 0.3% betting turnover charge and the £500 and the £2,000 requirements introduced in the 1999 Act?

It appears off-course betting is extremely profitable. I believe both could have been added to the fund which is being established and that the excise duty and 0.3% tax on off-course revenue could go into the central fund.

In general, I am pleased this legislation is being introduced and I hope the industry will have a very bright future.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Walsh, and the legislation before us. The Minister and his colleague, the Minister for Finance, must be congratulated on the work they have done. I am aware it was difficult at times to get agreement between the various bodies involved so that the legislation could be introduced and that we would have a blueprint into the future for the industry.

It would be very tempting at this stage to collapse the debate on the basis that there is no one on the other side of the House. However, because I am so anxious to get certain matters off my chest, I will carry on.

We all hope the legislation will have the desired effect. Unquestionably, we are dealing with a premier industry, if not the premier industry, in economic terms after farming. It is a flagship around the world for this country. The significance of the industry internationally, which has been outlined by many speakers and which I will not reiterate in numerical terms, cannot be underestimated. It is responsible for much of the tourism industry and positive image of Ireland abroad. In many instances, it is the only thing people associate with or know about Ireland. It produces that positive image which is an adjunct to the other important activities that take place.

There has been much legislation in recent years relating to the horse racing industry, including the National Stud, other aspects of racing and now greyhounds, and on each occasion I made the same statement, which I will repeat. I was told at one stage by someone who was involved in farming that the road to ruin was paved by fast women, slow horses and fattening cattle. I have experience of two of the three and I will leave it to the Minister to determine which one I have not experienced. I have some experience of slow horses.

Senator Kiely made an important point about the essential role of small owners in the industry. I accept Godolphin, Sheik Maktoum, Coolmore and so on are very important and have a huge influence on the industry. However, that is underpinned by small owners. Regardless of what happens in future, I hope that essential element of the industry will not be lost. It is part of the attraction and part of what makes it a great industry. I would be critical of the racing authorities for the way they have looked after small owners. Thankfully the prize money aspect has been addressed. I note from the annual report of the Turf Club that the prize money has increased significantly in the past year to approximately £24 million annually. However, I am not talking about prize money but about simple issues. If one has a runner in Thurles, one should be able to park one's car in some comfort, get into the course easily and get a race card. When I had a runner in Thurles I was under serious pressure to get to the racecourse from Dublin and a gentleman in a white coat would not allow me into the car park. I had difficulty getting into the ground on time for the race I wanted to see and when I got in, I found it impossible to get a race card. That is not good enough.

Obviously difficulties that cannot be anticipated crop up, but there is an onus on racecourses and the authorities to ensure people who underpin the industry, whether small trainers, owners or punters, are looked after. Thankfully the facilities have improved enormously and the Minister, successive Governments and the racing authorities must be congratulated on that. Having arrived early in Fairyhouse one winter's day, I was very taken by the fact that one walked into a tote hall which was heated. Even ten years ago the very thought of heating in a tote hall would have created abhorrence among the hardy souls who frequented race meetings. It is only now beginning to register significantly within the industry that it is more than an industry, it is entertainment. It is a highly competitive sector in terms of attracting the public and trying to get people to come through the gates. Given the advent of digital television and so on, it can be much easier to stay home and watch races on television than to go racing. There have been marvellous improvements in Naas and Punchestown racecourses. There have been improvements in the Curragh in terms of the entrance and the general facilities. This has been to the advantage of the racing fraternity in attracting people to attend races.

The Arctic Copper adventure and the success of the Grand Alliance was mentioned by several speakers. At a very early stage in the career of Arctic Copper I could see it had certain possibilities. I tried to buy in, so to speak, and one member told me at the time that I could buy in but it would cost me one Dublin taxi plate. That was prior to deregulation so I think it would have been a very good investment from their point of view if the taxi plate had been the entry fee.

Section 8 deals with naming, entries, stakeholding, the calendar, registration and so on. It is essential that Horseracing Ireland and the Turf Club are fully integrated, that there is not an overdue overlap and that there is a single premises, single accounting and so on, which is the essence of good sense. An important issue is the integrity services and the other aspects covered under paragraph 6 of the Schedule relating to the rules of racing and so on. It is crucial that there is independence and that the integrity which underpins the status of racing is maintained. I am pleased the Bill deals with the rules of racing and that the inspection of courses, licensing, doping controls and so on are covered within the ambit of the racing regulatory body. This is extremely important, otherwise ordinary punters going to race meetings would not have the confidence that racing is being conducted on a fair and even basis, which is essential.

The Annual Report of the Turf Club 2000 makes very interesting reading. The chief executive of the Turf Club is present and I welcome him to the House. In his message as senior steward, Mr. Scanlan said:

I believe the arrangements we have now made are in the best interests of the industry we serve, and will fully protect the Turf Club's capacity to ensure the highest integrity in the sport.

.. If a situation were to develop where the essential regulation of the sport were to be made subservient to the equally essential promotion, marketing and development of the industry, that strength could easily be undermined.

I certainly agree with and endorse that sentiment. He speaks about submitting the blueprint to the Minister about the unified structure and so on. I am happy agreement has been reached. It was said at one stage that the talks were forthright. I suppose this is the type of diplomatic language to which the Minister is accustomed when he goes to Brussels, which has a profundity of meaning.

The Turf Club was treated very unfairly many times during this debate. One of the things that was frequently said about the Turf Club was that it was a sort of exclusive Anglo-Irish 200 year aristocracy club and the members were out of touch with reality. Nothing could be further from the truth. If one looks at the list of members of the regulatory bodies, whether honorary members, members emeritus or joint members, it is an absolute who's who of Irish racing. It includes the very best in racing not just domestically but also internationally and includes those with a huge stake in the industry, who understand it and have enormous business experience. That sort of remark is nonsense and very wrong. In passing, it is with regret that I mention that one of the prominent members of the Turf Club, Mr. Robert Griffin, died tragically earlier this year. He will be very much missed within the industry.

The dog tracks have shown what can be done. It has now become fashionable to go to Shelbourne Park on a corporate outing, even if it is a Fine Gael fundraiser. Bord na gCon is to be applauded on the facilities there and on the way it has managed that sector of the industry. It is something of which racing people could take note. I mentioned the integrity services. The cost of doping control went up by £3.3 million in 2000, that is 10% higher than previously. Another good element of the Bill is that there is an emphasis on point-to-point racing.

The whole issue of technology is very important in terms of the racing industry, racecourses and the betting aspect. The chief executive spoke in his review of the year about the introduction of the digital photo-finish camera. A lot can be done in the context of modern technology to improve the speed and accuracy of photo-finish decisions and generally to make improvements at racecourses. Technology can now be used in the case of the tote where one can bet from the comfort of the executive gallery where the Minister would normally be when attending the races but which humble mortals like myself would only occasionally see. The technology aspect is important and that is implicit in the changes made in regard to internationalising the activities of the tote and allowing betting houses to use the tote. Betting can now be done on the Internet without reference to the betting shop or the tote. It is essential for the tote to accept that reality to be able to compete within that market. The tote has a new logo and I saw some very bright advertising it has produced. I wish Mr. White and his people well with the tote. They have a tough task ahead to compete within that international environment but there are aspects of the legislation which will help them do that more competitively and more tellingly than in the past.

The issue of foot and mouth disease was mentioned. There is an important point to be made here which relates to something said by Senator Cosgrave. I agree with what was said with regard to the Minister and the role of his Department in the handling of this crisis and I also agree with Senator Cosgrave that we are not quite home yet and we need to maintain vigilance. The racing industry behaved very responsibly at the outset of the foot and mouth disease crisis. At the start of the crisis there was a lot of talk about whether Cheltenham should be cancelled and whether racing should continue etc. I even heard interests within the industry say at an early stage that Cheltenham was hugely important and should go ahead. Mr. Willie Mullins was one of the people who stood up then and said "No". He said the industry was more important than racing and it had to be protected. The racing industry is to be applauded for that. It was very significant on the Curragh plain that when the order was made to remove the sheep and to regulate the movement of horses there the trainers on the Curragh precincts did exactly as was required from the word go, while some of the sheep owners were positively obstructive in terms of co-operation with the authorities. The racing fraternity can hold its head up with regard to its response to the foot and mouth disease crisis and it is important that we publicly acknowledge that.

The whole issue of prize money is very interesting. There is a mine of information in the Turf Club's accounts. The value of individual races is a significant matter. Slightly more than half the races held have prize money of less than £7,000. I accept that the situation has improved since the days when we looked at first prizes of £1,200 or £1,300. Even if one was fortunate enough to win it was not a great help after everybody got paid. Returning to the point I made earlier about smaller owners, that is an area that I would be anxious to see improved. I am aware that under the provisions of the Bill there will be a 50% increase in funding to racing from 2001. I note under the Turf Club's report that national hunt prize money rose by 20.6% to £12.2 million in 2000 and flat racing prize money rose by 16.4% to £11.99 million in 2000. That is very desirable as the health of the industry is very much related to it. It is significant too in terms of the number of stable employees who are also listed within the report. The total number, including full time and part time, currently employed has increased from 2,032 in 1997 to 2,816 in 2000. That is an indication that there is some profit within the industry. The number of active owners has increased from 3,135 in 1997 to 3,646 in 2000.

I spoke earlier about the significance of the industry nationally but it is also highly significant in County Kildare. There is a very good development in County Kildare, the Kildare Horse Development Company, which was formed in 1998 to promote and develop the industry and to brand County Kildare as the thoroughbred county. It has been successful in doing that. It may not be generally realised but it was established by a report that was done by the Kildare agricultural task group under the local Leader company that the horse industry in County Kildare directly employs 5,500 people and there are a further 10,000 in associated industries and services. In contrast, agriculture has about 4,000 employed directly in the county. The general perception would be that agriculture is vastly more important than the horse racing industry but that shows it is the reverse from an employment point of view.

The horse industry in County Kildare is the dominant activity by far. There are 162 stud farms and Turf Club figures show that there were 1,035 horses trained in County Kildare in 1998 – that was 23% of the national figure. Six of the top winning trainers were based in County Kildare and they accounted for 62% of the win money from racing. It is an extremely important and significant industry for the county and that is why so many of us from the county take such an interest in it. Nearly 20% of participants in the survey kept horses and they averaged seven horses per establishment. That underlines the fact that they are not all big stables like Dermot Weld and John Oxx etc., there are many smaller people involved.

I have a question for the Minister on one aspect of the betting. He speaks about getting rid of the 3% betting turnover charge on off-course bookmakers as well as the flat charge of between £500 and £2,000 on each off-course betting shop. The revenue from that went straight to the IHA and Bord na gCon in the past. I ask him to expand on his intention to remove the charges as soon as possible. The Bill allows the tote and bookmakers to sell tea, light snacks and newspapers, which is sensible. They will not be allowed to sell alcohol, with which the racing fraternity has an unjustified association. Perhaps vintners made a telling intervention, although it is proper that alcohol be sold on licensed premises only.

Senator Cosgrave made an important point about the reintroduction of sheep to the Curragh. Perhaps the Minister will elaborate on his plans in this regard. The Departments of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and Defence have large interests in the management of the Curragh plain. On behalf of Kildare County Council, I attended oral hearings of the commission which examined the future of the Curragh. Most councillors held the view the traditional interests on the Curragh are entitled to continue their pursuits, but many in County Kildare believe sheep should not be on the plain. Whatever about controlling sheep, I cannot understand how horses would be trained in County Kildare without access to the Curragh. I realise that the area controlled by the Turf Club was railed off following an Act several years ago and that training grounds produce great revenue. All traditional activities on the plain have to live side by side with one another. Many outside of farming circles believe sheep are undesirable on the Curragh, but the type of grass on the plain might not be preserved without grazing. Perhaps the Minister will comment on the future of the Curragh, which is very important.

I am concerned about the access from the Curragh to neighbouring properties, as wandering sheep are highly undesirable from a disease control point of view. I do not know if the Minister or his colleagues, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, can afford to put up fences to prevent sheep from wandering from the Curragh, but it is important that the matter be addressed if diseases are to be controlled, especially given welcome developments regarding traceability and tagging.

I wish this legislation well. It provides a blueprint for the future of a very important industry and I am glad that some of the original difficulties have been ironed out. The Ministers for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and Finance and members of the Irish Horseracing Authority, the Turf Club and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee are to be applauded for the work they have done.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Walsh, and this Bill. I do not have the same knowledge of this industry as previous speakers, including the Minister. Horse racing has given terrific entertainment during the years and people enjoy it. It is wonderful that the Minister is introducing the Bill and that he has supported the industry by allocating £200 million. I congratulate the Government for its great work, the proof of which is the money to which I referred.

Navan is the most convenient racecourse for me, although Fairyhouse is quite close too. Such facilities provide enjoyment for many who look forward to racing on special occasions like bank holiday weekends and St. Stephen's Day. The closest greyhound racing track to me in Dundalk has been given money by the Minister in recent years. I thank him for helping many tracks throughout the country to keep going, as they entertain many. I must mention a greyhound from Ballybay bred by Cathal McCarthy that won many trophies. The dog helped put Ballybay on the map at the time. As I do not wish to detain the House, I welcome the Bill, wish it well and thank the Minister.

I thank Senators for their unanimous support for this Bill which will add security to the industry by standardising funding and resources. The provisions of the Bill were brought about by consensus in the Dáil and within the industry. Although there was a degree of tetchiness before agreement was reached, a memorandum of understanding was hammered out in October 2000. All concerned signed up to the memorandum and I am honouring the agreement. I appreciate the constructive and supportive way in which all sides of the House have dealt with the provisions of the Bill. I accepted amendments to it from the Dáil on Committee Stage and Report Stage yesterday.

The first and most fundamental element of the Bill is the establishment of a State body to be called Horse Racing Ireland, which will replace the IHA and take over some of the functions of the Turf Club and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee. It was felt that some resources were being duplicated in the latter two bodies as there were two separate head offices, finance and accounting units, IT services and personnel and management functions, as Senator Dardis said. The headquarters of the new body will be in the Curragh, County Kildare. The operation of the industry will be streamlined. Many within it agreed with the Minster for Finance and I that better efficiency of operation and cohesion could be achieved if all the main administrative and financial streams of the industry could be brought together in a new body. With the sole exception of disciplinary matters, all elements of the industry will now deal with one body in relation to their arrangements.

Senator Cosgrave raised media rights, an important issue which is the subject of a major debate in the United Kingdom. I would like the Senator to go into more detail on that. Other than State and industry funding, the sale of racing pictures and associated information on Irish meetings is the other key source of potentially high levels of revenue for the sector. The media rights were vested in the racecourses in the 1994 Act. However, it was felt that because of the huge impact that the terms of any sale of racing pictures could have on the industry as a whole it would be better if the negotiation of the sale of media rights in the future were to be handled, serviced and funded by the State body, which will now be directly representative of all the major interests in the industry.

It was agreed by the Association of Irish Racecourses that all the negotiations on rights would be continued centrally. Section 10 prescribes that the negotiations will be undertaken by an HRI committee. The representative of the racecourses on the HRI will chair the committee and the Turf Club will also have a representative.

In the early days of racing people got together in a specific location and provided land for a racecourse. The land has become very valuable over the years but people made it available voluntarily, selflessly and patriotically. I wish to record our appreciation to them for the provision of these fabulous racecourse facilities because those early years were vital.

Racecourses will receive the full income from the sale of media rights for the next five years. After that HRI will be obliged to negotiate with the racecourses. By then, hopefully, much increased income from this source may be distributed throughout the industry to all those who contribute to racing. In that context HRI will be required to guarantee to the racecourses revenue from this source for each of the following five years which will at least equal the average annual income for the first five years. In other words, racecourses will be guaranteed income for the next ten years to ensure they have an opportunity to keep their premises up to the highest standards expected by racegoers.

The Turf Club agreed that the property rights it had up to now and the information on runners and riders compiled by the registry office could be immediately vested by this legislation in HRI, subject to a guarantee that the income over the next ten years will accrue to it.

The subject of funding has been raised by Senator O'Brien, among others. Section 12 contains most of the financial implications of this legislation. Exceptional returns have been achieved over the past five years on the investment to date in the IHA and Bord na gCon and it is widely acknowledged that there is huge potential for further improvements in this area. On that basis the Government feels the case has already been well made for a permanent and guaranteed provision of State funding at a significantly increased level for these important industries.

The domestic horse and greyhound breeding and racing sectors provide the raw material for the off-course betting market and deserve to receive some of the fruits of their labour in this regard. That is why the Bill proposes that HRI and Bord na gCon will between them receive this year Exchequer funds equivalent to the revenue generated from excise duty on off-course betting last year, which amounted to approximately £46 million. Ireland generates significant betting turnover and it is expected that £1 billion will be bet off-course this year.

The income will be divided between the two bodies on a 4:1 basis with HRI receiving 80%, approximately £37 million, and Bord na gCon, 20%, approximately £9 million. In future years these bodies will receive the equivalent of the revenue generated from the excise duty in the preceding year or the £46 million they received this year increased in line with the consumer price index, whichever is the greater. The latter needs to be provided as a guarantee for obvious reasons connected to potentially fast moving changes in the off-course betting market. The rate of excise duty on betting may at any time in the future have to be adjusted downwards from the current 5% to maintain competitiveness. The UK is seeking to implement substantial changes in this area and nobody can be sure yet what the full effect of increasing credit and Internet betting will be on our off-course market and how the bookmaking industry will respond. The globalisation of the industry and the availability of Internet and off-shore betting without regard to the domestic industry was raised by a number of Senators.

The legislation provides for a new operating structure for Irish racing which will be more effective and efficient in managing this important big business. We want to provide security in terms of the level of funding required to fully exploit the potential for the benefit of all concerned. This can only be done if the bodies involved can plan into the future, which will only be possible if they are guaranteed the level of funding promised. This will allow them to get on with the job. The only involvement of the Government of the day will relate to the appointment of the chairperson of HRI. All its other members will be nominated.

The mechanism of the fund to be managed by my Department is set out in section 12 and it is the best way to achieve what it required. However, if the House agrees with this procedure, it should also be involved in reviewing it from time to time. The aggregate limit placed on funds to be made available to the horse and greyhound industries through this guarantee system is £200 million, which may be increased by regu lation approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas. There will be an opportunity in approximately four years to review the performance of HRI and Bord na gCon. It will be good to give their performance an airing.

The contributions of Members, similar to those of their colleagues in the Dáil, were informative and based on tremendously detailed knowledge of the industry. There is no other Parliament in the world in which Members would be able to contribute so knowledgeably to a similar debate.

All the normal financial and other controls will be applied to the expenditure of the fund because a large amount of taxpayers' money will be used and accountability and transparency will be required in regard to the disbursement of the fund. In addition, under sections 13 and 14 the annual accounts of HRI and Bord na gCon will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and the chief executives of the bodies will be accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts in respect of the accounts. Under section 15 the chief executives may also be required to appear before other Oireachtas committees to give evidence concerning the general administration of their bodies.

I accepted amendments in the Dáil yesterday which will permit the chief executives to comment on policy and the performance of the Minister of the day. I do not have a difficulty with that. It is important in a democracy that a liberal attitude is taken to critical comment. The chief executives will report on their annual accounts to the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Committee of Public Accounts and other Oireachtas committees.

A number of Senators referred to the abolition of the existing charges on off-course bookmakers. In 1999 the Minister for Finance reduced the excise duty on off-course betting from 10% to 5%. This had a knock-on effect and the 5% on-course betting levies, which were an important source of income to the IHA and Bord na gCon, had to be abolished. As a result and in order to replace that loss of revenue for the bodies concerned, we introduced, among other things, a new 0.3% betting turnover charge on off-course bookmakers as well as a flat rate charge of between £500 and £2,000 on each off-course betting shop. The revenue went directly to the bodies.

It is considered that these charges are no longer required in the context of the new funding arrangements for HRI and Bord na gCon. I, therefore, intend to remove these charges as soon as possible. Section 19 removes the turnover charge while section 19(2) allows the Minister to set the date for the removal by order. This will be done at the earliest and most administratively convenient date for the Revenue Commissioners and their collection systems following the enactment of the legislation. Section 20 removes the flat rate charge from 31 August. Surcharges for this year would not be payable under the 1999 Act until 1 September. There will, therefore, be no moneys due in respect of these charges in 2002, with the possible exception of any amounts that remain unpaid from last year.

We will also introduce new regulations regarding the tote which will allow for co-mingling of tote betting. Punters in other countries can bet on that tote at the Irish Derby or the greyhound derby and the same will be the case for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. I agree with Senator Cosgrave that it was a shame we were not able to see on our national television network the tremendous achievement of Sinndar, Johnny Murtagh and John Oxx in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last year. I hope we will be able to see such international events on digital television from now on. We know that Dermot Weld was able to send Vintage Crop to the Melbourne Cup, where it won, and Go and Go which won in the Belmont Stakes. He also had other international achievements. We should be able to see and enjoy those great events. We will not only be able to do that in the future, but we will also be able to have a bet on the tote. As we know from the national lottery, the larger the pool, the greater the interest. There will also be an opportunity to extend the tote to betting shops on the high street.

Many speakers, including Senator Dardis, referred to bookmakers. It will be possible to have a cup of coffee and a snack in the bookmakers from now on. It may also be possible to buy The Irish Field and any other racing publications there. It is not easy to get The Irish Field in little towns, such as the one I come from, on a Saturday. Sometimes one has to wait until dinner time. If one wants to place an early morning bet, one is not up-to-date with what is happening. I hope these betting shops continue to have special features on their walls in the future and that people will be able to have a cup of coffee and a snack there.

A nosebag.

Perhaps a nosebag as well. If people want a drop of alcohol, they should have a little flask with them in the wintertime instead of purchasing it there. People should keep away from alcohol at least until the racing is over if they want to get the most from their investment.

A number of other issues were raised. I will refer briefly to the board of the HRI. Paragraph 16 of the Schedule to the Bill amends the Schedule to the 1994 Act and defines new rules on the composition of and appointments to the board of the HRI. The board is being reduced from 15 to 12, which will make it more compact and manageable. The only member of the new board to be decided by the Government of the day will be the chairperson. All the other members will be nominated directly and will be representative of the industry's organisations. These organisations will be required to use an open and fair electoral process to democratically select their nominees. There will not be a question of a few people getting together in a room over a bar. It must be democratic and at a general meeting for which adequate notice has been given. Because of the significant transfer of functions from the Turf Club and the national hunt steeplechase committee to the HRI, their representation will be increased to five members on the board.

I take on board what a number of speakers said, including Senator Dardis who made the strong point that small owners should not be forgotten and that they should have adequate representation on the board. The same points were made during the passage of the Bill through the other House. It was stated that the national hunt element of the industry should get appropriate and adequate representation.

What about the grand alliance?

The grand alliance can chip in and make its case for representation as well.

I note the Minister has not made the standard exclusion for Oireachtas Members.

No. The other interests to be represented on the board will be racecourses, owners, trainers, breeders, bookmakers, employees and the sector in Northern Ireland. One of the features of this industry is that it is a North-South body. The Turf Club is an island of Ireland body which is responsible for fixtures in Downpatrick and Down Royal. I am glad my colleague, Ms Bríd Rodgers, was able to allow racing to continue and to allow the transportation of horses to and from the North of Ireland. Each of those interests I mentioned will get one seat on the board.

A number of Senators referred to the racegoers consultative forum. That is an effort to take into account the 1.35 million racegoers who go racing every year and other different interests, including jockeys. The point was made about the unfortunate case of Shane Broderick. There are few activities where two ambulances are needed to follow a person performing their duties. As difficult as our job is, at least we do not need an ambulance. We are in the box, the parade ring or the bookies quadrangle, yet the jockeys, particularly national hunt jockeys, endanger their lives every time they go out. The other people for whom I have great sympathy are the handlers at the start because if the horses are not put into the stalls, there will not be a race. They endanger life and limb because the thoroughbreds are psyched up for the occasion. That range of interests should have an opportunity to make a contribution because without them, racing could not be held. The stable lads and the vehicle drivers who load up and drive to Galway or Tramore early in the morning and then take the horses back in the evening and load them up for the following day, while we enjoy the sport, should have a chance to make a contribution. I have written into the Bill that their opinions must be taken into account.

There is also a provision for turnover. A person will not get on the board and be allowed to stay there for 20 or 25 years, like some politicians, including myself. There will be a fairly regular turnover of members which will give new blood to the board. There is also a provision in the Bill dealing with the transfer of staff and the security required. That is important.

Other provisions in the Bill include relatively minor changes to the business of the fixtures committee and to the grants for development work at racecourses relating to the implementation of important health and safety measures. There will also be improved controls on on-course bookmakers. They are two important points. Up to now a 50:50 grant was given to smaller tracks around the country, including Roscommon and Tramore. That has been changed to graded grants which means that if smaller tracks want to make safety improvements, they can get up to 100% rate of grant. That is only right and proper.

A number of specific matters were raised. Senators Cosgrave and Dardis asked about the management of the Curragh in Kildare. This morning I asked my colleague, the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, about that because he has primary responsibility for it. He said they were coming close to a new management system for the Curragh. I know how difficult it is because the old regulations date back to the last century. We hope that with the agreement of Dúchas, the Department of Defence and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, a more acceptable way to manage the Curragh will be found shortly.

Senator Cosgrave mentioned the M50 roadway. I know meetings were held in recent weeks between the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, the National Roads Authority and the Leopardstown authorities, and my understanding is that agreement has been reached which will allow improvements to be made without disturbing the six furlong straight track or the track itself. The fear that Leopardstown racecourse would be closed for a long time no longer exists. The road realignment will be carried out without unduly interfering with Leopardstown as we know it.

Senator Rory Kiely mentioned the Limerick track. There seems to be a problem with the soil in Limerick in terms of growing grass. Is that not amazing? Anyway, an agronomist has brought about a tremendous change there.

They have the same problem with football.

I suppose they have, although they are getting better at the hurling. They beat Cork by one point, which was a travesty, but we have to carry on. I hope we will hear Senator Kiely and others give a rendition of "Limerick, You're a Lady" some time in October of this year. At any rate, there is a good flush growth of grass there now and a good skin on the ground. It is envisaged that Patrickswell will be open in October of this year. We look forward to that.

We might see the Minister cutting the tape.

Yes, I would like a day out in Limerick.

Senator Kiely also raised the question of greyhound racing in Limerick. First, the future is assured because that is the headquarters of Bord na gCon. The question of planning for the Markets Field and other options for alternative venues are being examined. The finances are available to provide adequate and up-to-date facilities. I cannot guarantee they will be as good as Curraheen Road in Bishopstown, but we will try to have a track appropriate to Limerick.

Senator Costello talked about training systems, especially for greyhounds. That is vitally important. Nobody wants cruelty in the sport, and I would not stand over that. I introduced a measure some years ago on the muzzling of greyhounds to take the kill out of coursing and remove the cruelty from the sport in so far as it is possible. That has been successful. The general training methods used should have regard to animal welfare and reducing cruelty.

Senator Cosgrave raised a number of other matters, including the resources that will be provided for the downside of the industry and those less well off. That is important. There is a section dealing with the provision of education and other training facilities. That is important because we have a reputation around the world of having very good handlers, staff, jockeys and so on, but we do not have a particularly good structure for them. From time to time one meets older hands who are literally dependent on, say, a non-contributory old age pension. We have very good training and education courses, for example, in the National Stud. There is also the Equine Centre in Limerick, and for the non-thoroughbreds we have Kildalton Agricultural College.

And RACE.

Yes, and RACE at the Curragh. It is my intention to have a day out at the Curragh soon because we put a little money aside for a farriery school at the Curragh. Blacksmiths were once a feature of every village in Ireland. It is a great craft and a great skill. We should have a master farriery school and we will have that. I intend to turn the sod very soon adjacent to RACE because horses need to be shod properly and many young people, especially those from rural backgrounds, and even some from Dublin, are interested in this area. The Cherry Orchard project, for example, and others are exciting developments and will give people who have a love for and are skilled in the horse business a training and education structure which will pro vide them with a livelihood in the industry for the foreseeable future.

I think I have covered most of the points raised on the various sections of the Bill. I thank the Senators for their constructive contribution to the debate on this milestone legislation. If any other clarifications are required, I will be glad to elucidate on them.

Question put and agreed to.

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Now.

Agreed to take Remaining Stages today.

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