Vol. 524 No. 6
99 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will provide an up to date account of the status of Government plans for the establishment of a new horse racing authority and of his most recent meetings with the various organisations who are directly affected by this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23403/00]
From the outset, the proposals which the Minister for Finance and I had for the future organisation and funding of Irish racing and in particular the establishment of a new single governing structure for the administration of the industry were well received and supported by almost all the organisations involved in the industry. Following a period of extensive consultations and negotiations in the first half of this year we announced our detailed proposals on 27 July 2000. While they were generally welcomed, the Turf Club and the AIR executive expressed some reservations.
At a meeting with the Association of Irish Racecourses, AIR, on 13 September agreement was reached with that body on the broad thrust of the issues of concern to them. Officials of my Department met the Turf Club on 25 September and again on 11 October. The Minister for Finance and I met with senior stewards of the turf club on 19 October and after lengthy, intensive and constructive discussions, a basis for the resolution of the outstanding issues of concern to the turf club was agreed. It is considered that the conditions now exist for the establishment of the proposed new horseracing body and I will be making arrangements to have the necessary work commenced to facilitate the introduction of the required legislation as soon as possible.
