Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their contributions and the very engaging debate on the fund, which as I said at the outset is healthy and important. The level of oversight of this fund is without parallel in terms of the scrutiny it gets, between the Seanad, Dáil and committee in regard to the budget decision being implemented. I acknowledge the contributions of Senators Daly, Keogan, Lombard, O'Reilly, Boylan, Hoey, Higgins, Buttimer and Boyhan.

One of the key themes that has run through all of the contributions is the importance of animal welfare and integrity in the horseracing and greyhound sectors. That is something that is of paramount importance to the Government. It is also paramount to HRI and Rásaíocht Con Éireann. It is a key requirement for funding from the Government to both industries.

It is important to acknowledge that these industries underpin significant employment. The horseracing sector, in particular, employs almost 30,000 people directly and indirectly and has an overall economic benefit of €1.8 billion. The horse and greyhound sector have significant economic impact across the country as a result of Government policy in this regard, in particular the horseracing sector which competes internationally with countries which have multiples of our population and funding from governments to those sectors. It is important that we fund these sectors strongly and keep a consistent policy from the Government point of view.

Both State agencies are composed of boards and organisations which are reflective of the stakeholders in the sectors. They are charged with ensuring that how the funding is provided and invested is done in the most effective way possible and with animal welfare and integrity of both industries at the core.

Regarding oversight, there are strategic plans and ongoing engagement between my Department and Rásaíocht Con Éireann and HRI to ensure funding is spent in the most effective way possible. Oversight is provided by the Oireachtas, of which we have had a fine example today.

There are differing views on the fund. Some are opposed to it and others are opposed to particular aspects. Many recognise the benefit of funding for both industries and are supportive of it. In response to Senator Boylan, the point I made in the Dáil to Deputy Carthy concerned the importance of the funding. I pointed out that in Sinn Féin there are very different approaches to the funding.