http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...262842222.html
I think you're being a bit harsh there, Gearoid. I don't have access to the Racing Post article, but the Irish Times quotes Horse Racing Ireland as being broadly in favour and has the PP and Betfair also saying fair enough as long as it's done fairly.
No doubt the devil is in the detail, but this is a problem not just for Ireland and international co-operation is likely.