Dr. Kevin Smyth:

The way in which the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund is determined is based on the budgetary bids that are put in by both organisations. It is considered to be part of the Estimates process. Basically, they put in bids and it is dealt with as part of the budgetary process. They ask for the money - normally they would look for increases and things they would like to do - and then it is finalised with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. It is put into the Department's Vote as part of the budgetary process.

The Deputy is absolutely correct that there was an increase for this year in the amount for the fund. An additional €12 million was put in to help protect both sectors against the effects of Covid because they were both very badly economically affected by the closures caused by the Covid pandemic. Some of the additional €4 million this year is actually residual Covid money that is being given to the two sectors for 2022 because the economic effects are still being felt. In general, the way in which the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund is determined is part of the budgetary process. It is done as part of the Department's Vote and it is agreed with the Minister and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.