Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is very welcome to the House. I support the motion. I am contributing to this debate on behalf of my colleague, Senator Lombard, who sends his apologies. The horse racing and greyhound racing industries are very important to Ireland. I am from County Galway, which is blessed with two fine facilities in Galway city, namely, the Galway Greyhound Stadium in conjunction with Connacht Rugby, which have exciting plans for a co-development, and Ballybrit, which is approaching its 150th year. Obviously, they have a continued role in terms of reinvesting in the facilities and improving the atmosphere in that regard. The Galway Races are synonymous with Galway. The summer festival in particular has a significant impact on the city and county in terms of the atmosphere and the number of punters who come in, many of whom have an interest in horse racing but more of whom attend for the atmosphere, craic and festivities. It is an all-inclusive family occasion, with different activities designated for each day of the festival. Of course, the prize money is important in term of attracting the best racehorses to compete. I acknowledge that.

I welcome the investment of some €96 million, with an 80:20 split between horse racing and greyhound racing, and the increase that has been provided for the coming year of some €76 million in total for the horse racing industry, as announced in the budget. As the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, stated on the announcement of the budget, it reaffirms the Government's commitment to the racing and breeding industry. The equine sector is now covered by TAMS measures for the first time. That step is very welcome as most breeders have only one or two mares and are also involved in other areas of farming. I welcome that as well.

The horse racing industry supports some 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. It caters for 1.2 million racing attendees and there was approximately €538 million in bloodstock sales by Irish vendors last year. Horse Racing Ireland commissioned Deloitte to carry out analysis into the social and economic impact of the Irish thoroughbred breeding and racing this year. Of the €2.46 billion spend, approximately half was generated directly by the industry through breeders, owners and racecourses and the direct employment of trainers, stable staff, jockeys, racecourse staff and racing administrators. It is a significant industry that is important in the context of employment throughout the country, particularly in rural areas, as Senator Daly stated. The report notes that for every €1 of Government funding last year, the industry contributed €35 to the economy. The chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland stated the funding is vital to support the sector. The stimulus it receives from the Government funding is essential.

I acknowledge the report compiled by consultant economist Jim Power and commissioned by the greyhound racing industry. It shows the industry made a net contribution to the economy of some €132 million in 2019 and supported more than 4,000 full-time and part-time jobs. The investment assists that industry as well, which is important in many parts of Ireland.

One of the preconditions of any of this funding relates to having the highest levels of animal welfare for horses and greyhounds, not just those that are in training but also those that have retired. A significant effort has been made, particularly in the greyhound sector of late, to ensure the provision of care and foster care centres, the expansion of an inspection programme for greyhound establishments, the operation of a greyhound injury support scheme and the commissioning of the Rásaíocht Con Éireann traceability system, as the Minister outlined. I acknowledge that work and the participation of the industry, together with the Department and the Minister, to ensure the highest possible standards of welfare. That must be a precondition of all funding that comes from the Minister's Department to these two important industries.

As I stated, these industries have a footprint across Ireland and, indeed, a global footprint. Horse racing is synonymous with Ireland. Racing here has a positive reputation worldwide. Some of the best breeders and bloodstock lines come from this country. It is important to acknowledge that. We need continued investment by the Government, the Department and the State to ensure we have the best facilities and can attract crowds to their local racing track, whether it be in Galway, Ballinrobe, Roscommon or anywhere else in the country. It is a great day out. It is a family occasion with a great atmosphere, especially if the weather is helpful, although one cannot account for that. As I stated, the Galway Races are an important part of the Galway tourism offering and in the context of the hospitality industry and bed nights in the city and county. I acknowledge and welcome that. I fully support these regulations.