Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the Horse and Greyhound Fund review will be completed and published; if party spokespersons will have an opportunity to review same before further legislation regarding this fund is brought before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16363/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Government support for the horse and greyhound racing industries is provided under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, which was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.

In 2004, the Government put in place regulations to increase the limit of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund from €254m to €550m to continue the Fund for a further four years to 2008. By the end of 2008 a total of €545.8m was paid out of the Fund. The remaining balance in the Fund at the start of 2009 was €4.2m. €68.1m has been allocated to the Fund for 2009.

Funding of both of these agencies supports two very important productive industries and helps to sustain the important role of horse and greyhound breeding & training enterprises in the development of the rural economy. These industries, together, account for an estimated 27,500 direct jobs, generate very substantial economic activity and make a vital contribution to the rural economy including farm incomes. The funding given to the greyhound racing sector helps in sustaining a tradition that has existed for hundreds of years and in underpinning the economic activity in what are in many instances less affluent regions of the country.

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.

The Fund has also contributed significantly to the almost €90 million that has been invested in the improved facilities now available at greyhound tracks around Ireland.

A review of the Fund is nearing completion and will be submitted to the Government in due course in the context of deciding on the future funding of these industries. Any extension of the Fund will require the approval of the Government and the Oireachtas. In finalising the review of the Fund I intend to take into account the comments made by the members of the Oireachtas during the recent discussions at the meetings of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and in the House itself during the making of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations, 2009.

I have already given an undertaking to the Joint Committee to have a discussion on the review and I will adhere to this.