Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I note the opposition of Deputy Cairns to the increase in funding for the greyhound sector. She did not express opposition to the funding increase for the horse racing sector and confined her opposition to the greyhound sector. She asked why we are providing extra funding and made the point that instead we should be reducing it and withdrawing it. The rationale for funding of the greyhound sector is the same as that for funding the horse racing sector in that it is important funding to underpin both industries. It underpins jobs and provides economic activity and return, particularly in rural parts of the country.

Without that support and funding through the horse and greyhound racing fund, the greyhound sector would not be able to operate. Certainly, the sector would see significant job losses and a massive impact as a result of the withdrawal of that funding. There would also be a significant impact on the horse racing sector were we to reduce our commitment to support that sector. That explains the rationale for it.

The Deputy made points on the importance of welfare. She pointed out a report on the number of dogs that could not be placed. That report would be contested by Rásaíocht Con Éireann but it emphasises the importance of putting a robust tracing system in place. Rásaíocht Con Éireann is putting a lot of work into ensuring that is implemented and that is essential. If we know where all dogs are at and there is full traceability in relation to changes of ownership, where they were born and right through their life period, that is the best way to ensure a clear commitment that their welfare is being monitored and validated. That is why the funding is going towards that and that is important.

The Deputy pointed out that there has been a drop in numbers attending race meetings over the past ten years, which is the case. There has been a change in the model and we have seen an increase in income for the greyhound sector from betting. As has been pointed out by a number of speakers previously, due to the increase in betting duty from 1% to 2% we saw that increase to €96 million last year, which covers the allocation to the horse and greyhound racing fund. Racing rights from television coverage have also become a significant part of the model of income for the greyhound sector.

There is a motion tomorrow, when we will discuss that in more detail and discuss the importance of continuing this funding. I welcome, by and large, the strong commitment and support from the committee for the two sectors, while recognising Deputy Cairns's contribution and the points she has made, on which I have outlined my position.

Deputy Mattie McGrath made the point around the importance of the jobs and incomes that are supported and of transparency, which I would echo. He made a point on some illegal activity. I encourage the Deputy, if he is aware of any such activity, to immediately report it to authorities. Anything like that is not tolerable and will not be tolerated.

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae's comments recognised the importance of the funding to rural Ireland and thanked the Government for same. I acknowledge the Deputy's recognition of that and his support for the sectors. Rural Ireland is represented in the recent budget across other sectors, particularly in agriculture, where we delivered an 11% increase in funding across agrifood over and above the budget last year to support rural Ireland. We see that here in the horse and greyhound fund, too, because we recognise the importance of it, particularly in a year where the sectors are very challenged by Covid.

Deputy Cahill referred to harness racing and that is something I am engaged with. I met with the Irish Harness Racing Association a couple of weeks ago along with some of my officials and there has been a further meeting with the association since then. We sought a submission from the association following on from that and will continue to engage with it on that.