Results 1,721-1,740 of 1,995 for speaker:Joe Flaherty

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: Very good. As regards the IHRA's other sites, it will probably look at something in the west of Ireland and something in the midlands to give it-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: In limbo.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: Yes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: The IHRA is applying to the IIP scheme for that.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I am impressed by everything the witnesses have said and will follow up on the issue with the Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, to get the IHRA everything it needs to develop the sport. The witnesses have made a strong case.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I wanted to come back on something that Mr. Flanagan did not touch on. What he said about bringing in breeding mares was interesting. What is the IHRA's stock of breeding mares at the minute? Does the association own them or lease them out, or what does it do with breeding mares?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: On the tracks that are being developed, the IHRA has about 50 stables at those. Surely there is an opportunity for link-ups with local authorities and city councils? That seems obvious, does it not? Then there are the local ETBs. It seems a no-brainer to do it.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: What would the IHRA typically charge per week for board for a stable?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I know the IHRA has an awful lot to do but is it not a no-brainer for a city council or a local authority, where there is a track like that, to link in and do something educational?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I suppose it is an animal welfare issue as well. I know we have the issue with the road racing but we have a big issue with animal welfare-----

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: -----in the ownership of horses, particularly in towns, where there are not adequate facilities. Does the IHRA deal with that issue as well?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: I know that in terms of the IHRA's structure and that, it is relatively recent, and it is probably relying largely on French and American breeding. I understand there has not yet been an Irish trotting stallion and there is no defined Irish breeding line. Is that the case?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Harness Racing: Irish Harness Racing Association (17 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: With regard to the horses trotting on the road, can they compete with the IHRA's trotters? Are they a comparable animal?

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Business Supports (18 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: 72. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Laois, respectively, that have registered for the increased cost of business Grant to date; when payments under the grant will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16881/24]

Written Answers — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Regional Development (18 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: 112. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the progress being made to acquire an IDA Ireland purpose-built facility in Longford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16882/24]

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Road Network (23 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: 173. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is intended to publish the preferred route corridor for the N4 Mullingar to Rooskey. [17740/24]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Enrolments (23 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: 294. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the enrolment numbers at 30 March 2024 for all national schools in County Longford. [17592/24]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Enrolments (23 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: 295. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the enrolment numbers at 30 March 2024 for all secondary schools in County Longford. [17593/24]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Grant Payments (23 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: 380. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he agrees that local authorities need greater discretion when deciding on the housing adaptation grant aid for elderly and disabled people given the increased rate of building inflation over the past two years; and if he agrees the grant amount should be increased by 50%. [17992/24]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Grant Payments (23 Apr 2024)

Joe Flaherty: 381. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he agrees that the six-month timeframe allowed to carry out approved works under the housing adaptation grant scheme for the elderly and disabled is too tight; and if he agrees that it should be increased to 12 months in order to counter weather issues, availability of contractors and other issues. [17993/24]