Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the various groups for their presentations. We all agree not only in regard to the equine sector but the beef sector and the food sector as a whole that health status is paramount and particularly as we are an exporting nation. The reality is that this is potentially a ticking time bomb and a reservoir for disease in terms of stray horses that have been abandoned. It is clear from the evidence we have heard today that the Department is paying about €3 million per annum to dispose of stray horses and local authorities pay about €2 million, a total of €5 million in that area. It is clear from the evidence provided by Mr. Brendan McGrath and Dr. Andrew Kelly that it is a growing problem and is not abating to any extent, based on the numbers coming through their organisations.

Dr. Kelly cautioned that changes to the disadvantaged areas payment could have an impact on donkey welfare if the rules were changed. As he is aware, the rules were changed regarding the disadvantaged areas scheme for horses. Did the changes to the disadvantaged areas scheme have an impact on the number of horses that seemed to have been abandoned? The other question is for the City and County Managers Association and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

Based on ISPCA figures, 10% of equines were thoroughbreds or ex-racehorses. All those animals would have been chipped. I am sure a substantial number of the other animals identified were chipped, but all the thoroughbred horses were chipped. On the change in SI 189 of 2014 were either of the witnesses' organisations consulted in advance of the change introduced last December by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine? The ISPCA has said that while it was not consulted, the Department had consulted stakeholders. Both organisations are significant stakeholders. I come from a suckler farm and in the 1980s - the Chairman will relate to this - beef farming was very much about the ears on the cattle because that is how premia were paid. Once one had the head and the ears, that was the most important part of the animal. Thankfully, through decoupling, but also because of schemes introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in regard to the suckler cow and promoting the beef industry, we now have one of the finest herds in the world. While there may be some debate about the new support scheme being proposed by the Department, the reality is that we have a premium beef product which we can export internationally. There is huge potential in regard to the equine sector. We could probably generate about €1.5 billion for the economy from this sector if it were properly developed. Should we be looking at developing something along the lines of the suckler cow welfare scheme for the horse industry to try to improve the quality of animals and selecting animals for their breeding qualities? The other side of it is that we need an outlet for those that do not reach the standard. In the beef industry that was easy because they were put into the processing industry. That is not possible for the equine sector for many of the animals that are not chipped. How does one deal with that aspect?

I have one final question to Ms Sharon Power based on her evidence. She spoke about the importance of education and training. We all agree on that. Reverting to the beef industry, education and training, particularly of older farmers, is important and an integral part of the suckler cow support schemes. Does Ms Power consider there is a need for something similar to what her organisation is doing but expanded to all horse owners throughout the country and to the industry as a whole and not just young people from disadvantaged backgrounds?