Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for the wide-ranging contributions. To summarise, in order to allow my Department to provide the monies allocated in budget 2022, it is necessary to comply with the technical requirement under section 12(13) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 to increase the cumulative limit to €1.54 billion to accommodate the extra €88 million we are allocating this year. One of the overarching objectives of the Government is to ensure that the horse and greyhound racing industries achieve their maximum potential and in so doing contribute to economic and social development across the country. That is very much reflected in our programme for Government commitments as well. The Government strongly supports these sports and the industries surrounding them and has underpinned them through legislation and policy initiatives over a long period.

The horse and greyhound racing industries have a wide geographic spread and make a valuable contribution to a balanced regional economy. The welfare of horses and greyhounds is a cornerstone of both industries and I am assured that HRI and RCÉ are striving to ensure the highest standards with both industries making substantial investment in integrity and welfare initiatives. The horse and greyhound racing fund has played a key role in providing this investment and has been instrumental in shaping the destiny of these industries.

Brexit and Covid-19 present unique and substantial threats to the Irish economy as we have discussed. We are a small economy naturally prone to volatility. It is therefore crucial that we support these industries given the challenges of both Brexit and Covid-19. Supporting both of them will protect the jobs and the economic benefit derived by individuals involved in the two sports. That is really important. These jobs and the associated economic benefit support thousands across our country.

In conclusion, this funding has been pivotal in shaping the destiny of both the thoroughbred and greyhound racing industries. The funding this year is particularly important. The Irish equine breeding and racing industry is very competitive at a global level and is a beacon for excellence. We are the third highest producer of thoroughbred foals in the world. This a success story that has been many years and generations in the making. It is particularly important that we continue it for that reason. The greyhound industry is predominantly a rural industry with a very strong urban support base and is important in our economy as well.

I do not propose to accept any of the amendments that have been tabled. I feel the proposals we are bringing forward and the terms and conditions we have attached in respect of expectation as to how the funding is allocated are appropriate. I ask for the support of the House in ensuring that this funding is delivered for 2022 to both Rásaíocht Con Éireann and HRI.

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