Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I fully support our horse and greyhound racing sectors, which contribute significantly to the identity and economy of my constituency in County Tipperary. Today we are discussing the allocation of €88 million to the fund and although this is less than the sum given last year, the amount retains a third of the unprecedented funding increase for 2021. The fundamental question is whether the money is being administered correctly and the public is being provided with total transparency in how its money is being disbursed and used.

Unfortunately, I cannot say I am convinced by the discussions I have had on the administration of the fund or how effective it is in supporting the smaller operators in these sectors. This is not just the point of view I have garnered from engaging with the Minister, the Department and the organisations concerned; it is something that is drawn to the attention of most Deputies when the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund is due to be discussed.

There is a perception that the money given through this fund does not make its way down to the small operator. The total prize fund for 2019 was €66 million or €1 million less than the money allocated for the same year, when only €385,000 made its way to breeders. The impression is that the funding we are now discussing ends up in the pockets of the elite trainers rather than being spread in a more equitable manner throughout the industry. For example, representatives of the horse and pony racing sector argue that despite this funding going to HRI, they face real financial problems. This matter was put to the Minister at last week's agriculture committee meeting but, unfortunately, he was not prepared to give a commitment to address it. If the funding we are discussing is not making its way down to smaller operators, is it being used effectively? Is it being used for the benefit of the industry from start to finish?

There is also the question of the 80:20 split in funding between the HRI and greyhound racing. Despite repeated questioning on the matter, we are never told why the ratio has never changed. It is unlikely that year-on-year the split reflects the needs of one body against the other and it is hardly as if the needs of the two sides never change. Last year, we were asked to increase funding significantly and now we are being asked to approve funding of €88 million for 2022, which is 10% higher than the sum only five years ago. There is no explanation or justification of an increase that leaves both sectors standing at an exactly 80:20 split.

There are major shortcomings in transparency. The public must know where its money is going and what it is being used for. It should have a full account of how worthwhile has been the contribution.

Welfare matters have come to the fore in both sectors in recent times. I am convinced the vast majority of those involved in the sectors treat their animals in line with the highest of animal welfare standards. I regularly see the dedication that operators local to my area in Tipperary have for their animals. There is an issue, however, with the level of transparency that the public has for the measures that HRI and Greyhound Racing Ireland, GRI, take to ensure animal welfare obligations are fulfilled and effected.

At last week's agriculture committee meeting, I asked if the Department audited all the welfare commitments given by the two organisations ahead of the approval of funding, specifically the level at which they have lived up to those commitments. In response, I was given assurances and some expenditure figures, along with some metrics, but those metrics do not measure welfare. Telling the public that metrics suggest that everything is being done will not comfort those who have seen dreadful reports from both sectors in recent times. We must know the real benefits, how the welfare of animals has improved and be given a full account of how this success is measured, not just a financial balancing act when new funding is on the horizon.

I fully support the horse and greyhound sectors, and that is why my party, Sinn Féin, and I support the provision of funding to these sectors. However, as I outlined, I have concerns about the way this fund is administered and how effective the spending of each euro is. That is why Sinn Féin has tabled an amendment to deal with these concerns. Our support for this Bill is contingent on the amendment being accepted and acted upon. We ask that a full review of the Exchequer funding to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund is conducted with a view to examining the social and economic impact of the fund. This would include the efficacy of the fund in supporting the development of both sectors and the many people involved in them throughout our rural communities. This review would also examine whether the use of the grant to subsidise prize funds represents the best value for money. It would also examine the effectiveness of the fund in ensuring the highest levels of animal welfare standards.

If the amendment is adopted, the findings of this review would be reported to the House within 6 months. I do not believe there is anything in the amendment that anybody could take an issue with. If anything, it seeks to benefit the two sectors by ensuring the funding is used effectively and for the benefit of the industries as a whole and the animals involved. We all have a duty to ensure the money given to this industry, on the public's behalf, is used effectively to ensure it has the social, economic and welfare benefits that we all want.

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