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

I have had some engagement with the Irish Harness Racing Association, as I know Members of the House have. As I understand it, the IHRA is a constituent member of Horse Sport Ireland, HSI, to which we increased funding in the budget. We have engaged with the IHRA and sought a strategy document from it. I have engaged directly in the past two weeks. At that stage I understood that the document was about to be submitted, but I have not personally seen a final draft.

We recognise that this is an activity that needs to be supported and regulated. We look forward to working with the IHRA. Additional direct funding for IHRA in 2019 is now especially challenging because the budget arrangements for 2019 have been concluded. I will look at the document and engage further with the IHRA.

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