Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Horse Racing Ireland and Rásaíocht Con Éireann work very well with the funding that is allocated. They administer it very well and effectively. There have been challenges with the sport horse sector, working through Horse Sport Ireland in recent years. It is known the previous board stood down 18 months or more ago. I stepped in to appoint a new board to try to bring the various sectors and stakeholders together again. This work is ongoing. It is important that people come together and work together as best as possible. I encourage all stakeholders to engage with the new board to address any issue, question and challenge they feel they have. We need as much co-ordination and as much working together as possible for the sector to do well.

Horse Sport Ireland received some funding through a tender award in which it was successful. It provides services as a result of this. I would like to see more engagement, co-ordination and people finding a way to work together for the betterment of the sector overall. I know there are issues and some difficulties at present on a few fronts. I encourage everyone to come together and work with the board in particular to try to find a way forward.