Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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First, I agree with the Cathaoirleach on the prize money. It really is a key anchor and fulcrum around which the industry revolves and which really supports it. It supports the industry through different levels as well. As I said in my earlier contributions, internationally in other countries, racing is also supported by the Exchequer so it is important we compete and we have done. It has been no accident that we have built up the world-leading position we have and we tinker with that at our peril. We do not plan to tinker with it. We plan to continue to build on the strong collaboration we have which is seen as successful and has been rebuilt.

Regarding the Irish Harness Racing Association, I made an allocation in budget 2023 for the sector. There has been engagement between my team and the association on an ongoing basis regarding the best way to support the sector and utilise that funding. Alongside that, from 2016 onwards, we have seen grants totalling €175,000 paid to the IHRA, under the equine infrastructure scheme operated by the Department. There was €27,000 allocated under the scheme as well to the Irish Harness Racing Association for 2022. There is ongoing engagement with my Department and there has been a funding commitment there as well to help support it in taking the sector forward.