Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 45 and 50 together.

Government support for the horse and greyhound racing industries is provided under the horse and greyhound racing fund, which was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001. In 2004, the Government put in place regulations to increase the limit of the horse and greyhound racing fund from €254 million to €550 million to continue the fund for a further four years to 2008. By the end of 2008, a total of €545.8 million had been paid out of the fund. The remaining balance in the fund at the start of 2009 was €4.2 million. Some €68.1 million has been allocated to the fund for 2009 and a regulation which increased the level of the fund by €63.907 million has been made by the Minister for Finance.

Funding of the agencies involved supports two very important productive industries and helps to sustain the important role of horse and greyhound breeding and training enterprises in the development of the rural economy. These industries account for an estimated 27,500 direct jobs, generate substantial economic activity and make a vital contribution to the rural economy, including in the context of farm incomes. The funding given to the greyhound racing sector assists in sustaining a tradition that has existed for hundreds of years and in underpinning the economic activity in what are in many instances less affluent regions. This funding has allowed Ireland to develop into a world centre of excellence for horseracing. Horseracing Ireland has undertaken a capital investment programme that has underpinned growth in the sector. The fund has also contributed significantly to the almost €90 million that has been invested in the improved facilities now available at greyhound tracks throughout Ireland.

A review of the fund is nearing completion and will be submitted to the Government in due course in the context of deciding on the future funding of these industries. Any extension of the fund will require the approval of the Government and the Oireachtas. In finalising the review of the fund I intend to take into account the comments made by the members of the Oireachtas during recent discussions at meetings of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and in the House during the making of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2009. I have already given an undertaking to the joint committee to engage in a discussion on the review and I will adhere to this.

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