Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the claim made by a person (details supplied) that up to 750 brood mares should be shot or retired to help solve the over-production of foals which they claim is damaging Ireland's breeding industry; her views on this claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6964/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the current ongoing discussion regarding a significant increase in the level of production of thoroughbred foals in recent years, as reported in the Assessment of the Economic Contribution of the Thoroughbred Breeding and Horse Racing Industry in Ireland prepared by Indecon consultants. I am also aware of the concerns expressed by the industry that some of these foals may not match the high standard of thoroughbred foal we have come to expect in this country.

This is a matter for the industry to address and resolve. In time the effect of market forces will bring breeders to the realisation of the importance of identifying and using quality brood mares when breeding foals.

I do not believe that it would be appropriate for my Department to embark on a programme of directing or advising breeders as to what brood mares they should use. I believe that market forces will prevail and this difficulty will be resolved.