Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 488: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that adequate resources are available to protect and develop the Irish draught sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33045/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding for the development of the non-thoroughbred industry, including the Irish Draught Horse Sector, under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and also by way of annual grant aid provided to the Irish Horse Board. The Irish Horse Board is the approved organisation to maintain the Irish Draught Horse Stud Book. In addition to the wide range of supports it operates for the sport horse sector in general, the Irish Horse Board has specific grant schemes for pure bred Irish Draught foals and an Irish Draught Colt Retention Scheme.

Breeders can also avail of funding under Supplementary Measure 3 of REPS 3 for the conservation of Animal Genetic Resources including the Irish Draught Horse. My Department, through the Advisory Committee for Genetic Resources in Agriculture and Food, has provided assistance for the development of a National Conservation Strategy Plan for Irish Farm Animals which includes the Irish Draught Horse. Grant aid is also available under the Department's revised Farm Waste Management Scheme for stabling and associated manure-handling facilities. Grants towards lunging and other equine facilities are available under the Alternative Enterprises Scheme.