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

As the Deputy said, the matter is still before the courts. Nonetheless, I do not want to hide behind that in so far as possible. Approximately 12,000 thoroughbred foals are born every year. The alternative view suggests that, rather than the nominated fee, HRI should be able to operate on the basis of the actual fee. It would be difficult administratively. For example, what is the fee in the unusual circumstance in which the stallion and mare are owned by the same person? What is the cover fee or registration fee in that situation? There are so many different permutations in the context where no fee is paid.

The funding secured from it is put to very good purposes. It funds the Irish Equine Centre, the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Service and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association. There is a high compliance rate. In recent years, the HRI foal levy committee has introduced a broader banded system in order that the majority of foals born are in the lower fee category. There has been progress. I do not like to see such matters before the courts. I wish they could be resolved. The high level of compliance suggests the vast majority of people find the situation reasonably satisfactory, notwithstanding that nobody likes to pay anything.

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