Strike action on hold after 'constructive' talks between Irish bookies and AIR

Discussions on Tuesday between the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association (INPBA) and the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) have been described as "constructive" with further talks planned in the next ten days.

The latest negotiations were the fourth time the parties have met in recent weeks in light of potential strike action from bookmakers regarding admission costs to trade, particularly at quieter midweek meetings.

Bookmakers pay five times the admission fee of a regular racegoer to stand at a fixture, with a €20 ticket for the public, for example, costing layers €100.

The INPBA released a statement on November 24 outlining that they could not commit to servicing every card on a growing fixture list but did not proceed with the threat to withdraw their services from tracks last week.

Ray Mulvaney, chairman of the INPBA, said on Tuesday: "This morning's meeting regarding recent weeks was met with goodwill from both parties and it was constructive.

"We're going back in the next ten days to have further talks and negotiations. They're going to look at their figures while we'll look at our own."

He added: "I'm quite hopeful we can move forward together as stakeholders in the industry and make common ground. There are still more talks to be had but this morning went well and we're hopeful that progress is being made."

The uncertainty surrounding strike action had led to unease last week in relation to the generating of starting prices, with SIS responsible for the SPs of any given race based on betting ring averages.

Mulvaney said of his hopes for resolution regarding the INPBA's concerns: "I think if we all work together there's no reason why we can't contribute to the business and industry. We want to give as much as we can and progress as much as possible.

"The bookmakers want to and are progressively moving forward to provide a better service for the customer, whether it be in relation to the printing of tickets, the software used by bookmakers for multiple bets or credit card facilities."

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