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."