Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide statistics available to him regarding the number employed in the thoroughbred industry and the estimate available as to the revenue generated by the industry and related industries; if he will provide the source of such statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15645/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 to support the horse and greyhound racing industries. Some €68.128 million has been allocated to the fund for 2009. 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 and Bord na gCon respectively. Therefore, €54.502 million has been allocated to Horse Racing Ireland for 2009. To date, the fund has not only helped to provide some top class racing venues and facilities, but has also underpinned significant employment in the horse racing and breeding industry. Funding of Horse Racing Ireland supports an important productive industry and helps to sustain the important role of the horse breeding and training enterprises in the development of the rural economy. The horse racing and breeding industry supports an estimated 16,500 jobs, generates substantial economic activity and makes a vital contribution to the rural economy, including farm incomes. This funding has allowed Ireland to develop into a world centre of excellence for horseracing. Horse Racing Ireland has undertaken a capital investment programme that has underpinned growth in the sector. Statistics provided by Horse Racing Ireland show that at least 80,000 tourists come to Ireland each year to attend race meetings at this country's 27 courses; the Punchestown and Galway festivals are worth €105 million to their local economies; the horse racing and breeding industry generates exports worth nearly €200 million annually to 43 different countries; and the industry produces a gross economic contribution exceeding €330 million annually.