Dáil debates

Tuesday, 30 November 2021

Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2021: Motion

 

4:55 pm

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I move:

That Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2021, copies of which were laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on the 20th October, 2021.

An important pillar of Government policy is to ensure that the horse and greyhound racing industries achieve their maximum potential and in doing so contribute to economic and social development over a wide geographical area. As we know, 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 with direct and indirect employment of 29,000 people and that the greyhound sector benefits an estimated 10,000 people economically. The thoroughbred industry, in particular, also brings a high level of international investment.

Government funding in addition to supporting these key industries presents an excellent opportunity to yield a high return on its investment leading to a flow throughout the economy thereby providing widespread benefit to our society. Support for certain strategic industries is important for future economic growth and can provide widespread benefits for society as well as for our economy. The Irish equine breeding and racing industry is extremely competitive internationally. It is a real beacon for excellence. We are the third biggest producer of thoroughbred foals in the world and estimates place Ireland only behind the United States as the biggest seller of bloodstock by auction globally.

The Government acknowledges the importance of these industries and has supported them through legislation and 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. Thanks to the hard work and exceptional support of the Irish people for the vaccination programme, the Government continues the gradual reopening of society. Since 22 October, following the easing of Covid restrictions in line with the strategy of Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting, full attendances have been allowed at outdoor events. This situation is being kept under review.

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. My Department makes payments from the fund to Horse Racing Ireland and to Rásaíocht Con Éireann. From 2001 to date, €1.46 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 legislation has been reached. Exchequer support provided from the fund is crucial for the survival and continued development of the horse and greyhound racing industries. In order to give effect to the provisions of budget 2022, this cumulative upper limit must be increased by regulation approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Estimates for my Department passed by both Houses as part of budget 2022 include an allocation of €88 million for the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. That is to be distributed in accordance with section 12(6) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 with 80% or €70.4 million going to HRI and 20% or €17.6 million going to Rásaíocht Con Éireann.

In order to allow my Department to provide the moneys allocated in budget 2022, it is necessary to comply with the technical requirement under section 12(13) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act to increase the cumulative limit of the amount payable from the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund by €88 million to €1.54 billion. This is achieved by way of the regulation submitted to this House today. The aggregate limit on the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was increased in this manner in 2004 and in 2009 to 2021, inclusive.

The 2017 Deloitte report into the economic impact of Irish breeding and racing, commissioned by HRI, indicates that the total direct and stimulated expenditure from the Irish breeding and racing industry is estimated at €1.84 billion in 2016. In addition, it is estimated that there are 15,200 jobs at the core of the racing and breeding industry or in directly related industries. Horse racing helps drive a balanced regional economy. It generates a very significant return to the rural economy in Ireland and a positive international profile for our country. Of course, behind all the facts and figures are the thousands of men and women who directly and indirectly make the Irish racing and breeding industry what it is today.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on all levels of the industry, particularly in attendances at racecourses, the numbers of horses in training, owners, racers, fixtures and races have all shown strong growth over the corresponding pre-pandemic figures for 2019. Figures published by HRI for the first six months of 2021 show that the number of horses in training, which is a key driver of rural employment for the industry, had increased by 24% on the comparable figure for 2019, with ownership up by almost 24% and new owners registered showing a 31% increase on the 2019 figures - all very strong figures. Turnover in 2021 is estimated to reach €154.7 million by the year end, an increase of €48 million on 2020, but down by €10.5 million on the pre-Covid pandemic year of 2019. HRI continues to engage with all racecourses to crystallise the losses incurred during the pandemic.

As proven in 2021 to date, Irish owners, trainers, jockeys and horses are setting standards globally. Their stellar achievements and enduring influence underscore Ireland's international prominence. The Irish equine breeding and racing industry is extremely competitive at a global level, despite other racing nations having much larger populations and economies.

The importance of having a strong welfare and integrity foundation is crucial to this highly successful industry and this is well recognised throughout the industry. My Department and I continue to work with HRI, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of integrity and welfare are maintained. In that regard, I have received the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and Marine on integrity in racing published earlier this month. This followed a series of meetings with this forum involving officials from my Department, HRI, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board and the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association over the summer. We are examining that report and I will fully consider its findings shortly. I thank the committee, under the chairmanship of Deputy Cahill, for its work for producing such a comprehensive and important report.

The EU and UK trade and co-operation agreement for Brexit reached in December of last year, which included the Northern Ireland protocol, was a welcome development for all of us. It should be noted that challenges remain with the movement of horses between Ireland and Britain, and between Ireland and mainland Europe for those who are using the land bridge. The global nature of major breeding operations illustrates that while Ireland now arguably holds a leadership role in Europe, its pre-eminence is not guaranteed. According to the 2021 Power report, the greyhound industry provides and supports considerable employment both directly and indirectly across the Irish economy. It is estimated that in 2019, the industry supported more than 4,000 full-time and part-time jobs. In addition, there are more than 6,000 active greyhound owners. The total number of people deriving economic benefit from the sector is estimated at over 10,000. The funding provided to the sector helps sustain a long-standing tradition as the industry as part of the social fabric of the country. This funding underpins the economic activity in what in many instances are highly rural areas.

The future of the industry is dependent on a strong governance platform and on the industry having the highest standards of integrity and welfare founded on a strong regulatory system. There is a strong commitment to improve animal welfare in this sector under the programme for Government. My Department, along with the sector itself, is committed to continuing to strengthen the welfare standards in the greyhound industry and future funding in the sector is contingent on welfare standards being upheld. This is reflected in the annual parameters set out by my officials in their dealings with Rásaíocht Con Éireann. Provisions of the Greyhound Racing Act 2019 came into effect on 28 May of that year and will make a real difference in this regard. This 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 new Act improves governance of Rásaíocht Con Éireann, strengthens regulatory controls in the industry, modernises sanctions and improves integrity within the sector. It provides the industry with the real tools with which it can effect fundamental change and reform.

A key element of the new legislation is the provision for the first time of a full information technology traceability system for racing greyhounds. The Rásaíocht Con Éireann traceability system came into operation on 11 January 2021 and the system provides a mechanism to ensure racing greyhounds are properly registered and traceable throughout their lives. The sections of the Act commenced on 1 October 2020, signalling a new era for greyhound racing. It facilitates the board in focusing on its priority objective, achieving the highest standards of care and welfare for greyhounds.

Further commencement orders to commence the majority of the outstanding sections are currently being drafted. The Greyhound Racing Act 2019, when fully implemented, will enable Rásaíocht Con Éireann to ensure the important heritage associated with greyhound racing in Ireland can continue under the appropriate rules and regulations. The industry is predominantly rural, with a strong urban support base. The Covid-19 crisis has, in a way similar to other sectors in the economy, resulted in a collapse in commercial activity in the sector and a significant reduction in activity generally. Recovery for the industry will require ongoing support to aid the restoration of normal levels of activity.

5:05 pm

Photo of Seán Ó FearghaílSeán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Matt Carthy is sharing his time with Deputy Martin Browne.

Photo of Matt CarthyMatt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I move amendment No. 1:

To insert the following after "20th October, 2021": "; that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine shall:
- conduct a full review of the Exchequer funding to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund with a view to examining the social and economic impact of the fund, including the efficacy of the fund in supporting the development of both sectors, the broadest cohort of those involved in both sectors and rural communities; also examine whether the use of the fund to subsidise prize funds represents best value for money; and the efficacy of the fund in ensuring the highest levels of animal welfare standards; and

- report to Dáil Éireann within six months of these Regulations being adopted on the findings of the review."

The horse and greyhound racing sectors are success stories that should be celebrated by people across Ireland and they should, rightly, be supported by the Government through direct financial measures. There are, however, clear issues with how this fund is delivered. This has been evidenced by the fact that the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine recently held numerous meetings further to allegations about animal welfare matters within the horse racing sector. The subsequent report of the committee acknowledged that while the vast majority of those in the sector operate to the highest international standards, there are practices and structures that could undermine public confidence.

The Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund has increased considerably over the years. The allocation in 2014 was €54 million and this compares with €88 million being proposed by the Minister today. By any standards that is a huge sum and it should be matched with absolute accountability and transparency. Put succinctly, if the Dáil is to approve the expenditure of nearly €90 million of taxpayers' money, we must have full confidence that the funding is having the most beneficial impact for everyone involved in the sector and the wider economy. We must be clear that standards for animal welfare are above reproach.

Until 2009, the amount of funding was linked directly to betting taxes but the allocation is no longer calculated in such a manner. As such, the automatic 80:20 split between the horse and greyhound sectors is increasingly bizarre. For any sector, those seeking Government funding must outline exactly what they are planning to deliver with taxpayers' money. This includes day-to-day costs, what would be spent on infrastructure or strategic development goals or how the success of the spending is to be measured. With this fund, however, the Minister would have us believe the best return every year comes from an exact 80:20 division between two organisations. Surely logic dictates there would be some variance in either direction as both organisations seek to develop their sectors at different times.

Sinn Féin's concerns regarding the efficacy of these funds are laid bare with a simple glance at the Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, allocation of prize money in any year, as there is normally only a difference of 1% or 2%. Where does the prize money end up? Looking at the awards over the past three years, the same small number of elite trainers are raking in the bulk of the fund. In 2019, against an allocation of €67 million, HRI had a prize fund of €66 million, of which breeders only received €385,000. At the same time, the most successful horse race trainer received €7,792,083, or nearly 10% of the entire fund across both horse and greyhound racing. I do not mean any disrespect but I am not convinced that particular trainer needs any more of an incentive from the taxpayer to be involved in the sector. At the same time, the backbone of Irish horse racing - those involved with horse and pony racing - are crying out for small amounts to merely survive. From speaking with many breeders and others involved with the greyhound sector, I hear similar reports that they do not see the benefits of substantial State funding.

Again, Sinn Féin fundamentally agrees with providing investment to both the horse and greyhound racing but we are just not convinced that this or previous Governments have done enough to ensure the funding benefits the largest number of people across throughout the sectors and rural Ireland more broadly. Equally, we are not convinced the Minister has adequate oversight of the fund generally. We are certainly not convinced the Government has seen to it that safeguards are put in place not just to ensure animal welfare standards are met but that, in light of this significant investment, we are recognised as setting the global standard. That is why we are asking the Government to accept our amendment in order that the Minister would conduct a full review of the social and economic impact of the fund, including an examination of whether the current manner of distributing the fund is most appropriate to deliver the greatest benefit to the largest number of people across those sectors and the rural communities that depend on them. That is in addition to ensuring animal welfare standards and oversight are more than adequate.

Under the current model I fear the big lads will continue to get bigger and stronger while most of those involved with these important sectors will see little benefit from substantial taxpayer investment. This needs to change and I hope and trust the Government will accept our amendment.

Photo of Martin BrowneMartin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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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.

5:15 pm

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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I want to put on record that I have a small interest in a racing greyhound.

For many, this is a sport of working-class people. It is a sport that has gone on for generations. The vast majority of people in both these industries have contributed hugely, locally and socially, and look after their animals, be that in horse racing or greyhound racing. I have spoken to many of them. In the county I live in, they are on every corner. They feel the equity of distribution of this fund needs to be looked at, particularly regarding the volume of funding that goes to small operators. It is a real issue now. There is one issue I ask the Minister to consider, if he would get off the phone for a moment. I ask that he look at the equity of distribution of the fund as regards how it gets into the hands of smaller operators as opposed to big operators who, as previous speakers have said, do not need it proportionately.

Animal welfare is a serious issue in both codes and we must have a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse of animals in sport, on farms or in homes. It is unacceptable in this day and age. On the subject of the motion, the fund provides support to two indigenous industries that provide significant employment throughout rural Ireland and give much enjoyment to people. A GRI report showed that it supports 4,150 full-time and part-time jobs in 2019. Last year, a total of €96 million was allocated under the fund and of that €76.8 million went to HRI and €19.2 million to GRI. Budget 2020 allocated €88 million, which is €8 million less. A ratio is used to allocate the funding with 80%, or €70.4 million, goes to horse racing and 20%, or €17.6 million, goes to greyhound racing. Of this allocation, a minimum of 10% is to be spent on welfare; no more than 60% must be applied to prize money; no more than 3% on operational grants to private tracks; and no more than 27% on regulatory and administration costs and other statutory functions of GRI. It is critical that the 10% ring-fenced in 2021 for welfare initiatives is maintained, and I ask that this amount be increased in the future. Will the Minister confirm he is confident that this funding is spent in the proper way?

Last year, I also raised the need for a greyhound trust to be set up. The volume of greyhounds that need to be rehoused remains high. There is only one centre and I have raised this issue on multiple occasions at the Committee of Public Accounts and in the Chamber. The allocation needs to be 15% to 20% and work needs to be done on that very quickly. People must be able to see progress so that they can see this issue is being dealt with appropriately and be in a position to support the industry as a result. Last year, the Department also allocated record funding of €3.2 million to more than 100 animal welfare charities separate to these funds. I ask that the Minister provides clarity on what the allocation will be next year.

Many proposals have been put to the Minister and the GRI by people who work with greyhounds and I hope their voices will be listened to. It also needs to be ensured, from an industry point of view, that many of the racecourses do not end up being liquidated because of the way in which the current funding is set up. It is perilously dangerous that this will be the case.

In my remaining time, I wish to raise two other issues. In horse racing, in particular, too many people are badly paid. The Labour Party believes, given the legislation my colleague, Deputy Nash, has brought in and which was used again in recent days in Ireland, a sectoral employment order is needed for people working in the industry. This is something that we will push for. Across this major industry, those who love horses and love the sector should be respected as should their expertise, and they should be paid appropriately and consistently. I urge the Minister to do that.

It will not be strange for the Minister to hear me raise the issue of gambling addiction again. As a country, we need to look at a ban on gambling advertising. The proliferation of gambling advertising must be dealt with quickly. My party colleague, Senator Mark Wall, has put forward legislation on how to deal with it. The number of advertisements that are visible all over the place when watching sport on television is obscene and disgusting. I sit down regularly with my daughter, who is 11 years of age, and all she sees is gambling ads morning, noon and night. It is wrong and it needs to be dealt with quickly.

Photo of Jennifer WhitmoreJennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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Unfortunately, it appears that this year the Government is continuing its devotion to supporting a deeply problematic greyhound industry. What I find interesting while listening to the debate is that Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party are not alone in this regard. They are joined by Sinn Féin and the Labour Party in their support of this very concerning industry. The Government continues year-on-year to prop the industry up. Despite the overarching concerns of standards of care and the loss-making nature in the industry, it is impossible to understand why the Government continues to increase State funding year-on-year in this sector.

Between 2001 and 2020, more than €260 million of public money was given to the commercial greyhound industry. There are sports clubs, community pitches and animal welfare organisations that could never hope to get money like that. A previous speaker described how the greyhound industry is part of Ireland's identity and culture. It is certainly not part of my Irish identity. It is certainly not part of my working-class heritage and background or of anyone else who I grew up with or of anyone in my party. The majority of people in Ireland do not want this funding continued.

Let us compare the €260 million funding with the €1.5 million allocated in the budget for animal welfare organisations, which is double what it used to be. That is less than 10% of the amount the greyhound industry gets. In 2019, the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind received €886,000 from the State. The organisation had to raise €5 million itself. Can anyone say that the public money would not have been better spent on guide and assistance dogs? However, the Government prioritised greyhound racing instead.

There is an issue with the State propping up this industry, and jobs are often used as a justification for this. I ask the Minister and the Government to have some vision when it comes to rural Ireland and these communities and create jobs that benefit the entire community, wildlife and ecotourism. They should not target an industry that is on its last legs and finds it very difficult to get support except from the Government. The Government should have a vision for something productive and positive for rural Ireland rather than doing the same thing each year. The Government is stuck in a rut in this regarding. It continues to fund the industry because it has done so every year. Each year, it gives a little bit extra and if it does not, some very vocal individuals will complain. I ask the Government to have a vision for rural Ireland to make sure people can see the benefits of the €260 million funding.

There has been a catalogue of appalling practices in and declining public support for this industry. The Irish Greyhound Board: Anti Doping and Medication Review, published in 2015, found that there were "longstanding and significant deficiencies in policies, processes, and ... implementation[s] that have been undermining the integrity and reputation of greyhound racing in Ireland."

Another IGB document, prepared by Preferred Results in 2017, stated that the industry in Ireland was not focused on the sport of greyhound racing but on breeding and that it was failing from both a commercial and a regulatory point of view. Despite this, the Minister's Government and previous Governments and oppositions continued to support it and to give the industry money. I just cannot fathom why. It is 2021 and this is where the Minister thinks taxpayer's money should go. Only eight countries in the world allow greyhound racing. The industry is closing, or near to closing, in Mexico. It is banned in all but five states in the US and is significantly contracting in Britain, yet the Government is propping the industry up here. The public does not want its money spent on supporting this industry. There are a great many better ways to spend it. State funding has enabled this financial basket case, these animal welfare issues and these overbreeding practices. Governments have insulated the industry from commercial reality and allowed the IGB to ignore public opinion. Without the annual injection of millions in public money, this industry would have had to rapidly reform or collapse. Instead, money granted by successive Governments, including this one, has propped up a failed industry, an industry that continues to fail the animals it exploits.

I will finish with a quote because I know Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are great for the old quotes. Joe Biden said:

Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you value.

I will expand beyond the Government and say this to Sinn Féin and Labour as well. What will they spend money on if they get into government? Will they continue to fund the greyhound industry? Will they give it more money than this Government is giving it? They need to put that on the record and make it absolutely and blatantly clear to voters where their priorities lie.

5:25 pm

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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It is striking how out of touch with public opinion the majority of politicians in this House are. On the central issue of animal cruelty, as Deputy Whitmore has pointed out, it is clear that it is not only the Government, that is, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and, shamefully, the Green Party, that support handing over significant public moneys to the horse and greyhound racing industries, but also Sinn Féin and the Labour Party. Since we dealt with this last year, as this motion is an annual event, we have seen the appalling spectacle of prominent racehorse trainer, Gordon Elliott, posing for a photo while sitting on top of the dead body of a horse. This was another glimpse of the casual cruelty behind the airbrushed image of the horse racing industry. Once again, we are going to see an enormous sum, €17.6 million, being given to the greyhound industry for 2022. Nobody can pretend not to see or not to be aware of the widespread and well-documented cruelty within greyhound racing. It is an unavoidable element behind the industry Deputy Carthy described as a success story that should be celebrated. It has been two years since "RTÉ Investigates" exposed that the industry was breeding ten times as many puppies as it needs and that up to 6,000 dogs a year were being killed because they were not fast enough. Greyhounds are exported to places with few, if any, animal welfare standards and there are horrific stories of dogs being mistreated and, in many cases, boiled alive. There is a very deep cruelty involved in all of this.

I will make a brief point and call in respect of hare coursing. We need full clarity on what happened in regard to Loughrea Coursing Club, which had its licence suspended indefinitely. When I asked for the results of any post-mortem investigation into the deaths of the hares through a parliamentary question, I did not get an answer. We need full clarity on all of that.

The basic point, which the vast majority of the public would agree on, is that we would be far better off if we were to, for example, double the funding to the Health and Safety Authority by taking funding away from the greyhound racing industry. That is the choice the Government makes. It decides not to fund many very worthwhile things and to instead invest in an industry that is unsustainable and based on animal cruelty.

Photo of Mick BarryMick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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Deputy Carthy has told the House that the greyhound industry is a success story that should be celebrated. I do not agree with that. Deputy Kelly of the Labour Party says that he has a small interest in a racing greyhound. Both Deputies have voiced their support for animal welfare but ignore the fact that animal cruelty is at the heart of the greyhound industry in this country. If the average age of a racing dog is two and a half to three years, what happens when the dog is too old? What happens if it is injured or if it is too slow? "RTÉ Investigates" answered those questions in its programme. Nearly 6,000 dogs were slaughtered in 2017 alone. This is a declining industry. Attendance fell by 55% between 2008 and 2018. Tracks have lost €30 million since 2019. RED C asked a cross-section of people whether they felt the State should continue to fund the industry. Only 16% said "Yes."

The industry is being kept alive by State funding and sponsorship. There is to be €17.6 million for next year and there has been €310 million since the inception of the fund. I will give the Minister a suggestion as to how that fund could be better spent. The fund is basically the State's take from gambling on these two industries being handed back to them and amounts to an incredible €1.5 billion since the inception of the fund, which says something about the scale of gambling in this country. Rather than giving this money back to industries that thrive on gambling, why not give moneys to support people who suffer from addiction? It is a very significant issue in this country. Some 50,000 people are severely affected by gambling addiction while 200,000 are at risk of gambling addiction. This would be a far better way to spend some of those moneys than to hand them back to the industries, including the greyhound industry, which has animal cruelty at its core. It is not incidental; it is at its core. Deputies should not be covering up for that.

Photo of Michael LowryMichael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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The horse racing industry in Ireland is respected both nationally and internationally. Our racing and breeding activity is among the most prominent and respected in the world. The core breeding and racing industry in Ireland is estimated to generate a staggering €1 billion in gross expenditure. This figure, in turn, provides an input of €914 million to our economy. In recent years, Ireland has been second only to the US as the biggest seller, by value, of bloodstock at public auctions. We bred more than 20% of the top 100 flat horses in the world. The industry directly supports up to 10,000 jobs while indirectly supporting many thousands more in areas such as equine science and veterinary services along with farriers, transporters, stable staff, those who work in on-course and off-course betting, those who maintain and service our racetracks and others providing a multitude of services. The economy cannot withstand the loss or reduction of such revenue. Now more than ever, we need to promote our assets and attractions on the world stage. Horse racing in Ireland is a key attraction for tourists. Our reputation in the industry means that race meetings held in Ireland are popular with both Irish and overseas visitors. They, in turn, generate revenue for our hotels, guest houses, pubs, restaurants and local businesses. The contribution made by horse racing to the economy, tourism and the image of Ireland can never be underestimated.

In recent months, the industry was affected by a smear campaign that cut to the very heart of horse racing. Fabricated allegations of doping ran rampant among the horse racing fraternity. Poisonous darts were thrown at the industry with the clear intention of causing as much mayhem and damage as possible. The fallout was felt by everyone involved in the industry. It placed everyone in the spotlight. People felt fingers pointing at them. No one was named so no one was said to be guilty. Because no one was named, everyone was seen to be guilty. This had a devastating impact on the men and women working at all levels in the industry. Even the most seasoned and well-known names spoke out publicly about the crushing effect of these rumours. Everyone felt the long finger of suspicion pointing in their direction. Everyone felt guilty until proven innocent. It caused anguish and animosity.

On 8 July this year, the IHRB's disciplinary committee, having carried out extensive investigations, reported that it had taken 2,500 samples, of which 72% were taken on racecourses and at point-to-point meetings. The remaining 28% were taken as part of an-out-of-competition testing programme. The IHRB stated the vast majority of results were negative. In fact, of the 2,500 test samples taken this year, ten adverse analytical findings were confirmed. Not one of these involved Horse Racing Ireland.

Damage has been done to the industry in recent months. I have no tolerance for rumour and innuendo. Facts speak, but rumours cause destruction. Suggestions leave a trail of damage that can destroy innocent people. The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine supports the testing system now in place, and I support that stance. I also support its call for a review of the system to ensure Ireland’s procedures match international best practice. Equally, I agree with the committee’s recommendation that the Department consider developing testing capacity in Ireland that builds national expertise in testing. It is a welcome move by the HRI to provide funding to the IHRB for the installation of CCTV in stable yards at Irish racecourses. Such measures form part of the agreement between those bodies to maintain the integrity of horse racing.

The provision of funding for this endeavour is crucial in protecting the industry and it cannot be delayed. No one is foolish enough to think high-value sports are not open to misconduct. However, if an individual has reason to suspect, or has definitive knowledge, that rules are being broken, he or she is obliged to make such information known to the proper authorities. Chinese whispers are not the way to deal with any situation. Casting aspersions through the media is not a responsible way to deal with a matter that has the potential to cause widespread damage. This form of commentary threatens the horse racing industry and threatens the reputations of sports governing bodies. All sports are open to malpractice. Vigilance is required at all times to ensure the field of competitive sports remains level. Those who choose to withhold factual evidence are as guilty as those who break the rules, and they too must be held accountable. The integrity of the sport of horse racing must be protected.

5:35 pm

Photo of Michael CollinsMichael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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I welcome and support this proposed measure. I seldom support what the Minister puts before us, but this proposal is welcome. It helps to support the horse and greyhound industries. Directly or indirectly, they account for 39,000 jobs, which is a large number. We must secure and maintain those jobs in this country in future. I sincerely hope these funds will make their way down the chain of those involved. It should not be the rich and wealthy horse owners at the very top who end up getting most of this money. It should work its way down to ordinary people, such as those I see in my community, who love their horses and race them during the year in places like Drimoleague, Durrus, Goleen, Bandon and places like that. I would like to ensure, and perhaps the Minister might acknowledge if this is the case, that these funds will indeed make their way down to ordinary people.

Most of the opposition to this measure is coming from Deputies in Solidarity-People Before Profit and the Social Democrats. Have they ever visited those who care for their greyhounds? I have. I visited Collins's farm in Church Cross some time ago. The beautiful and immaculate way in which these animals are cared for must be commended as top class. Instead of coming in here and opposing this, if these Deputies were to go out there to see these places, they would see at first hand what a fine way these greyhounds are being treated, from their earliest years to their oldest.

Photo of Danny Healy-RaeDanny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle, and it is good to see him back in action again. I thank the Minister for giving this €88 million. The only regret I have is it is a reduction of €8 million from last year. We all know the cost of everything is going up. Why do we have to come in here every year to approve this spending? Should there not instead be a standing order that the horse racing and greyhound industries would get their money every year? I ask that because these industries return these funds back to the coffers in abundance. It has been said horse racing accounts for some 29,000 jobs, while the doggy people provide 12,000 and are working very hard with their dogs. They treat them very well. It was sad the industry got a bit of a bad name for a while because of a few rogues, but 99% of these people are genuine. They live for their dogs and their communities and they make a serious contribution to rural Ireland. That is the case in places like Gneevgullia, Cahersiveen, Scartaglin, Castleisland and north Kerry, and over to Knocknagashel and Brosna. The difference this makes to the people in those areas is massive.

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Everybody here is entitled to their say, but it is difficult to hear other Deputies standing up and talking about cruelty in this sector. Of course, there are people who may not be right at any sector of life, but the vast majority of people who have greyhounds and dogs adore them, and if it is horses, they adore them. Those people live for their animals and care for them and nurture them and want to protect them. They also, of course, want to have sport with them, because that is what this is all about.

When it comes to funding, however, I want money to be provided, but I also want it to be used well. Greyhound Racing Ireland must be forced, as a condition of funding, to engage proactively with all stakeholders. The body can no longer be allowed to alienate the very people it was established to serve, namely, those people who adore their dogs. For too long, this organisation has operated in a silo capacity and has only been willing to engage with people who did not query its operational objectives. This is wrong. The greyhound industry in Ireland has the capacity to be great. It was great, it can be great and it will be great, but the current operating model is destroying the sector and protecting the elites. It is time for the Minister to intervene and to continue to give funding but also to ensure the same levels of transparency and openness are to be found in the greyhound sector as those that are commonplace with Horse Racing Ireland. There must be absolute transparency and full accountability when it comes to the State funding being allocated to the horse and greyhound racing industries.

It is important because we all want to see our tracks continue and ensure they continue to exist. We want to ensure there is a future as well, however, for the really important people, namely, those people I know and meet on Friday and Saturday nights at the racetrack in Tralee, those people who come there with their vans and their trailers to take their dogs in for a race. As I said, they do not just love their dogs, they adore their dogs. It is wrong for those people to be at home hearing Deputies in this House saying cruelty is rampant. It is an awful brush to cast upon a vast number of people.

Photo of Michael FitzmauriceMichael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I also welcome the Ceann Comhairle back. I welcome the opportunity to speak on this issue, because when people talk about public opinion, there are more places than those around Dublin. Public opinion comes from all around the country. What should be known far and wide is that there are people who might be farming sheep, cattle or whatever and who also breed a horse that might turn out to be good. We must realise what that does for those families. They might know damn all about horses, but it encourages them. It is the same with greyhounds. Therefore, we need to know what public opinion on this issue really is when we talk about this matter.

Our committee report has a few low-hanging fruits, and I have outlined them before. We brought in the animal identification and movement, AIM, system for cattle, I think when the Minister, Deputy Coveney, held the agriculture portfolio, and it was probably one of the best systems that ever came in for traceability. We should examine that type of system for accountability in the horse sector. It is one of those initiatives that is a low-hanging fruit, because a system already exists there for us to work off.

In addition, regarding those who breed horses in a small way, we must examine initiatives such as the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme, TAMS, and the Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, to allow us to find a way to incorporate this type of endeavour within such programmes. Some aspects were introduced to TAMS that were intended to apply to horses, but I do not think they were ever implemented. I ask the Minister to examine that aspect.

Also there are youngsters with ponies. Insurance is becoming a problem around the country. In fairness to the Minister, he did say that he was going to look at it before. We have to think of them. They will start off as youngsters and move their way up along. Some will stay at it and some will not but it is the enjoyment of it. On the benefit of the sector and indeed the greyhound sector, look at the Galway Races. It is one of the best known race tracks. It is not alone the people who go to the races - some people might never even look at a horse - but the spin-off for the hotels and the money spent within the city. It is the economy created in the different places. It is the same thing in respect of greyhounds. A lot of people start off and might buy one dog. No more than in every walk of life there will be one or two people who will not do things right but 99.9% of people will do it right. We will always get the high-profile programme that will castigate everyone or tar everyone with the one brush.

5:45 pm

Photo of Mick BarryMick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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It was 6,000 dogs.

Photo of Michael FitzmauriceMichael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I have seen people near me and the same people are shouting about exports of cattle and all this. To be honest about it if I had as much room as an animal that goes out of this country on a boat, I would nearly be able to sleep on the broad of my back. That is the amount of room they get. We have to be constantly trying to go against other types of society. It is not a big number of people who are out there but they make themselves very loud.

In the greyhound sector, the one thing we need to make sure is that we have an even balance of the greyhound tracks right around the country to support rural areas. They have come through a torrid time with the Covid and different restrictions. It has been tough. On the point to points, last year there was a lot of pressure on them. These are people who breed a horse and if they win a point to point the value of their horse will be known. For a while they were held up under the different regulations. They did get going but I ask the Minister to make sure they are facilitated. In the line of the report we have done, I think there is some low-hanging fruit. I ask the Minister to look at it and take those things into account. We in the committee did not do up a report for the sake of doing it. We went through it meticulously and took time at it. We had many a conversation about it in private meetings. There is good stuff in it that the Minister should implement.

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Amendment put.

Photo of Seán Ó FearghaílSeán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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In accordance with Standing Order 80(2), the division is postponed until the weekly division time tomorrow evening.