Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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I will reinforce a few points made by members. The Minister has addressed the insurance issue. I urge him to use his influence to ensure insurance cover is sorted out for all recreational activities of an adventurous nature. This point has been made by numerous Senators and Deputy in respect of pony racing and I would also include harness racing. The funding sought by both those sports does not amount to a great deal of money. They have an important role to play in the equine sector. The horse and greyhound fund is needed for those two industries. Will the Minister consider a fund for pony and harness racing? The sectors are not seeking a large amount of Exchequer funding.

While we are talking about the equine sector, Horse Sport Ireland and the sport horse industry in general were disappointed that they did not get more of an allocation in the budget. Theirs is a 26-county industry. I ask the Minister to engage with Horse Sport Ireland to see what funding can be found for the industry for the forthcoming year. Horse Sport Ireland has ambitious capital projects for which it is seeking help. While it does not fall under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, I ask the Minister to consider the sport horse industry, which encompasses the 26 counties.

I will put on my constituency hat and discuss the capital plan for the country's second all-weather track. A site in Tipperary is the one HRI has picked as being most suitable for the track. Will the Minister use his influence to push that project onwards? A significant amount of capital is being sought. HRI is also talking about putting a training academy there as well as many infrastructural improvements for the industry as a whole. It would be a great project and Tipperary is a central location with excellent rail infrastructure for young students going there to learn their trade. I ask that the Minister take my points on board.

On behalf of the committee, I thank the Minister and the departmental officials for assisting us in our consideration of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2021.