asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give details of his follow-up plans for the half-bred breeder in the wake of Bord na gCapall.

At this time discussions are taking place with the various interests concerned with the half-bred horse industry. When these are finalised I will submit my proposals regarding the future of the sector to the Government. In the meantime the winding up of the affairs of Bord Na gCapall is proceeding. The Irish Horse Register and Register of Approved Stallions are being administered by my Department and the inspection of riding establishments is being carried out by the Association of Irish Riding Establishments on a voluntary basis.

Would the Minister assure the House that he is taking as a matter of urgency, the major difficulties that exist in the half-bred industry? I support the proposal to abolish Bord na gCapall but we need to put in place structures to provide for this vital flagship industry, particularly as the registration of foals is not getting sufficient attention. Would the Minister comment on his plans in this area? Does he intend charging £15 to register a foal? Does he realise that £15 will also have to be spent on a vet filling in a marketing certificate and that £30 per half-bred foal would effectively put most people out of the area of registering their foals, which defeats the purpose? Is he looking at the major insurance problems in this industry and can he give assurances on this point? Will the future of the Irish draught mares be part of his plans? The future of the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society, which is an extremely important establishment protecting our only native pony, is in perilous financial condition. The half-bred breeder is almost extinct apart altogether from the threat to the animal. We need immediately, urgent and detailed plans from the Minister to protect this vital industry. When can we expect them?

The Deputy, who has shown a consistent interest in this matter will, from the questions she addressed, recognise the complexity and detail of the issue. I assure her that the issues to which she referred and many more are being examined in detail. Very early in the new year I expect to have a report for the Government and, shortly after that, to bring it into the House. I appreciate the importance and urgency of a new organisation which will deal with these matters but the House will appreciate the varied interests involved and I am about to take account of them all.

In the light of the complexities involved, the different interests and the importance to the country, will the Minister consider issuing a Green Paper on the future of the industry to enable all interested parties to make their proposals and suggestions?

I do not think that a Green Paper would serve any useful purpose. I am receiving submissions from everybody.