Written answers

Wednesday, 19 November 2008

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

Sports Funding

9:00 pm

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if it is appropriate that the Horse and Greyhound Fund, which supports two sports will get more funding than the Irish Sports Council, which funds almost every other organised sport here in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41114/08]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 for the purpose of giving support to both racing industries.

In accordance with the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, 80% and 20% of the moneys paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Bord na gCon respectively. Since 2001, income from the Fund has been used by both bodies towards increasing prize money levels, meeting administration and integrity costs alongside a programme of capital investment, which has underpinned a growth in both sectors.

Since the establishment of the Fund a major period of development of both industries has resulted. The funding has allowed Ireland to develop into a world centre of excellence for horseracing and greyhound racing.

To date the Fund has not only helped towards providing some top class racing venues and facilities, but it has also underpinned significant employment in the industries. Horse breeding is a significant net contributor to the Irish economy and has an important role to play in generating employment, particularly in the tourism and agri-economy sectors, making it a significant regional employer and an important contributor to rural communities. The Irish greyhound industry is also regarded as one of the most vibrant and successful in the world. €69.719 million has been allocated to the Fund for 2009.

The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, has a statutory role in encouraging the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive and recreational sport. More than €53 million has been allocated to the ISC for 2009. This is an increase of more than 300% on the funding level of €13m in 2000, the ISC's first full year in operation.

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