Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move:

That Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2022, copies of which were laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on the 13th October, 2022.

An important pillar of Government policy is to ensure that the horse and greyhound racing industries achieve their maximum potential, and in so doing, contribute to economic and social development over a wide geographic distribution across the country. The horse and greyhound racing industries make a valuable contribution to a balanced regional economy. It is estimated that the thoroughbred industry has an annual economic impact of €1.84 billion and provides direct and indirect employment to 29,000 people. The greyhound sector benefits an estimated 10,000 people. The thoroughbred industry in particular brings a high level of international investment into Ireland. Government funding, in addition to supporting these key industries, presents an excellent opportunity to yield a high return for its investment, leading to a flow of income right through the economy, thereby providing widespread benefits to society. Support for certain strategic industries is important for future economic growth and provides widespread benefits for our society as well as for our economy.

Successive Governments have acknowledged the importance of these industries and have supported them through legislation and consistent policy initiatives. The support provided by public funds through investment in these industries has enabled Ireland to develop a world class reputation for excellence in horse racing, greyhound racing and breeding. The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, under section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. Payments are made from the fund to Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, and to Rásaíocht Con Éireann, RCÉ. In the period from 2001 up to now, a total of €1.54 billion has been paid from the fund to the horse and greyhound racing industries in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The cumulative upper limit on payments from the fund, provided for under the relevant regulations, has been reached. Exchequer support provided from the fund is crucial to the continued development of the horse and greyhound racing industries. In order to give effect to the provisions of this year's budget for 2023, this cumulative upper limit must be increased by regulation, which is why we are here today.

The Estimates for the Department, passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas as part of budget 2023, include an allocation of €91million for the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. This will be distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Act, with 80%, or €72.8 million, going to HRI and 20%, or €18.2 million, going to RCÉ. In order to allow the Department to provide the moneys allocated in the budget, it is necessary to comply with the technical requirement under the Act, to increase the cumulative limit on the amount payable from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund by €91 million to €1.64 billion. This is achieved by way of the regulations submitted to the House today. The aggregate limit on the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was increased in this manner in 2004, and from 2009 to 2022.

In the context of the horse racing industry, the Deloitte report, Economic Impact Of Irish Breeding and Racing 2017, which was commissioned by HRI, indicates that the total economic impact and stimulated direct expenditure of the Irish breeding and racing industry is estimated at €1.84 billion, based on 2016 figures. In addition, it was estimated that the industry supports the direct and indirect employment of 29,000 people. Horse racing generates a very significant return to the rural economy in Ireland and a positive international profile for the country also. Of course, behind all the facts and figures are very much the thousands of men and women who directly and indirectly make our Irish racing industry what it is and what it has been built up to be.

As proven to date in 2022, Irish owners, trainers, jockeys and horses are setting standards globally as has been the case in all years, and their stellar achievements and enduring influence underscore our country's international prominence in the industry. We are the second largest producer of bloodstock in the world by value sold after the USA and we have the world's third highest number of thoroughbreds foaled each year after the USA and Australia.

Statistics released by HRI for horse racing and breeding in the country for the first six months of 2022 point to a continued resilience in the industry.

While some metrics are down year on year, many figures compare favourably with the first six months of 2019, which was the last full comparable year prior to the Covid pandemic. A strong welfare and integrity foundation is crucial and this is recognised throughout the industry. We continue to work with HRI, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, IHRB, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of integrity and welfare are maintained.

In that regard, in November last year, the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine published a report on horse racing in Ireland. At the committee's request, an international equine anti-doping expert, Dr. Craig Suann, was commissioned to conduct an independent review of the IHRB's equine anti-doping programme. This review concluded that the programme does "at least match international best practice in most respects and has made significant advances in recent years." Nevertheless, further improvements are always possible. HRI has informed the Department that it spent some €5.4 million on a suite of equine welfare initiatives in 2021 and has indicated a €5.8 million welfare spend for this year. These initiatives include support for animal welfare bodies to identify new careers for horses when they exit racing, infrastructural improvements at race courses to mitigate risks to horses and support for the Irish Equine Centre.

According to the 2021 Power report, the greyhound racing industry provides and supports considerable employment directly and indirectly. It is estimated that the industry supported more than 4,000 full-time and part-time jobs in the economy in 2019. In addition, there are over 6,000 active greyhound owners. The total number of people deriving economic benefit from the sector was estimated by the report at over 10,000.

The funding provided to the greyhound racing sector helps sustain a long-standing tradition as the industry is part of the social fabric of our country. This funding underpins economic activity across the country and is of particular importance in rural Ireland. The future of the industry is dependent on a strong governance platform and the highest standards of integrity and welfare, founded on a strong regulatory system. There is a strong commitment to improved animal welfare in this sector in the programme forGovernment. Future funding of the sector is contingent on welfare standards being upheld and this is reflected the work of my officials in their liaisons and engagement with RCÉ.

Provisions in the Greyhound Racing Act 2019, which came into effect on 28 May 2019, will make a real difference in this regard. That legislation strengthens the legal basis for the industry, with a view to fortifying the integrity of the greyhound racing sector and improving provision for greyhound traceability. The Act improves the governance of RCÉ, strengthens its regulatory controls, modernises sanctions and improves integrity within the sector. It provides the industry with real tools needed to effect fundamental change and reform. It facilitates the board in focusing on its priority objective of achieving the highest standards of care and welfare of greyhounds. Further commencement orders for the small number of remaining sections will continue to be phased in as expediently as possible, ensuring that the important heritage associated with greyhound racing in the country can continue under the appropriate rules and regulations.

A key element of the new legislation is the provision for the first time for a full IT traceability system which RCÉ put into operation on 11 January last year. That system provides a mechanism to ensure that racing greyhounds are properly registered and traceable throughout their lives. Data from the system at the end of September this year indicate that 32,474 greyhounds were subject to traceability. It is intended that the RCÉ traceability system, RCÉTS, phase 2 will be developed further next year. This will include additional functionality to facilitate the recording of injuries at RCÉ-licensed stadiums during racing and official and unofficial trials, as well as the capture of medical details, recording of sampling history and adverse analytical findings and report details of offences. In addition to its care and welfare programme, RCÉ undertakes a comprehensive range of activities in the areas of regulatory, integrity and laboratory functions. This includes welfare inspections and investigations, testing regimes, veterinary services, financial support for the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust and contributions to private rehoming agencies.

Given the wide geographic distribution of these two industries, they are fundamental to the achievement and continuation of balanced regional economic growth. Nurturing rural economies is a key priority for the Government, reflected in the investment it has undertaken and the initiatives it is pursuing. These industries should be given recognition for the considerable contribution that they make to rural activity and employment. The welfare of horses and greyhounds is a cornerstone of both industries, and I am assured by HRI and RCÉ that they are striving to ensure the highest standards for the sports and their participants on and away from the racecourse. The Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund has played a key role in providing the investment needed and has been instrumental in shaping the destiny of both these industries. Accordingly, I seek the support of the House to ensure that HRI and RCÉ receive the funding provided for in budget 2023 for the important role played by these industries and the economic activity supported by them.

I commend the regulations to the House and look forward to listening to the contributions of Members, following on from the significant engagement we had at the Oireachtas committee recently.

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