Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator is absolutely right that our horse racing industry is the envy of the world and we cannot take that for granted. The rapidly changing international environment continues to pose challenges to the Irish economy. Coupled with Ireland being a small and open economy naturally prone to volatility, it can be somewhat difficult to fully predict what the future holds. That is why it is crucial we support this important industry and its continued navigation through the challenges in 2024. Given the wide geographic distribution of the horse racing and thoroughbred industry, it is fundamental to the achievement of a more balanced regional economic growth here in Ireland. Nurturing that and nurturing the rural economy is a key priority for Government in this context. The welfare of horses is a cornerstone of this valuable industry and the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, are assured that the HRI and the IHRB are striving to ensure the highest standards for the sport and its participants on and away from the racecourse. As we have both said, this plays a key role in providing investment and we will continue to support it.