Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and acknowledge the funding provided by his Department. As I stated, the Clondalkin Equine Club needs multi-annual funding. I also agree with the Minister that it has been really difficult for the club to obtain alternative funding because of the limitations imposed by Covid-19. The club was told by the Department it could apply to the Pobal process but community service programmes underwent a review last year and the club has been advised that this is at ministerial level, with nothing happening with new applications until this process takes place.

When will this review take place? I know it is not within his remit but will the Minister speak to his Cabinet colleague about this as a matter of urgency so this can be progressed? I will put this in context, although I do not begrudge Horse Racing Ireland. However, €56,000 would fund two posts in this urban horse project while Horse Racing Ireland is to receive €77 million this year, which is an increase of €10 million.

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