THE Horse Racing Ireland Bill will be debated in the Dáil next Wednesday afternoon. The legislation remains on course to be signed into law before the general election.

Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon said: "The HRI Bill is scheduled to come before the Dáil at 4.30pm on Wednesday and there is a slot available on Thursday morning if necessary. The Minister for Agriculture will review the final amendments but I don't envisage any significant change. We are working with the whip's office to get it into the Seanad and we're hopeful of getting it past all stages before the Dáil is dissolved."

The HRI Bill aims to create efficiencies and more transparency in the administration of Irish racing. Elements within the Turf Club have lobbied to amend or remove parts of the proposed legislation which they see as unnecessarily weakening the Turf Club’s influence and independence.

There are currently five Turf Club representatives on the HRI board but this will reduce to three when the Bill is passed. The Minister for Agriculture will also be able to nominate three board members instead of just appointing the chairman.