Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the state of the bloodstock industry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18714/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Bloodstock industry is currently performing extremely well in what is truly a global business. An independent assessment of the sector conducted by Indecon International Economic Consultants in July 2004 found that bloodstock production accounts for approx 4.4% of agricultural output. Furthermore this report confirmed that Ireland is now the third largest thoroughbred producer in the world accounting for over 42% of EU output. While there are elements of concentration this rural activity is found in all counties.

Indecon estimated that there were over 16,000 people employed (including part-time employment) in the thoroughbred breeding and horseracing industry in Ireland.

Irish thoroughbreds are much sought after for racing and breeding across the globe. One only has to consider the spectacular results from the recent Cheltenham festival where Irish trained horses once again enjoyed another magnificent season and for the second consecutive year the Gold Cup, the Queen Mother Champion Chase and the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival were all won by Irish trained horses while Numbersixvalverde became the fifth Irish trained winner of the English Grand National since 1999. It is not surprising that many professionals are calling this period a 'Golden Age' for our thoroughbreds. In Ireland we can look forward to hosting Europe's richest two-year-old race, the Goffs Million with a total prize fund of €1.6m, at the Curragh in September of this year.

The Irish thoroughbred is synonymous with excellence worldwide. The people, climate, soil and the general operating environment in this country are all factors which contribute to this success. It must be emphasised that the risks associated with bloodstock production are much higher than in normal livestock enterprises.

So far this year, horses that were trained, owned or bred in Ireland have dominated the racing world both at home and abroad. It is my hope that this success continues into the future. Every success worldwide that is credited to Ireland is an endorsement for the thoroughbred industry in Ireland and raises the bar for our competitors.