Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

HRI is a commercial State body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. The current foal levy scheme, which was introduced in 2000 on a statutory basis, applies to all thoroughbred foals registered in Ireland. The foal levy is calculated with reference to SI 735 of 2011, which is the governing legislation.

HRI's foal levy committee reviews the rates, bands and structures of the levy annually and has also considered potential alternative methodologies to calculate the levy due. It has concluded that the current banded or tiered approach represents the most equitable and appropriate way of securing the vital funds needed for the breeding sector. The majority of foals registered fall into the two lower bands of €35 and €50 and there is a very high compliance rate of 98.3%.

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