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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Horse Racing Ireland and wind turbines

Summary

Senator Lawlor sought a review of betting tax to support Horse Racing Ireland and also raised wind turbine draft guidelines. The Chair said the latter could be debated later.

I agree with Senator Marshall on the importance of the horse racing industry for the country. I wish the incoming chairman of Horse Racing Ireland, Mr. Nicky Hartery, well in his new role. He performed very well before an Oireachtas committee last week when he spoke about funding for Horse Racing Ireland. A review of the betting tax, currently set at 1%, could generate a key part of HRI funding. I ask the Leader to request that the Minister review the tax in the run-up to the budget.

I also raise the draft guidelines on wind turbines. There is a code of practice regarding interaction with the community and a proposal on a preferred draft approach. Will the Leader indicate when the draft proposal will become a proposal?

My greatest bugbear of all time is Seanad reform. The cathaoirleach of the new Seanad reform committee is present. Perhaps he will give us an update on the progress that has been made since he was made chairman of the committee.

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He is preoccupied with something else.

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He might give us a brief summary of what has happened to date.

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

I am not sure that is within his remit but I am sure he will be able to answer for himself. I call Senator Devine and apologise for surprising her.

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