Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way the programme expenditure in 2012, projected in the Estimates at €56.29 million, a 1.75% drop on 2011, under the heading Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund will contribute to the relevant high level goal, namely, to progress, in collaboration with State bodies, the further development of the agri-food sector including the Food Harvest 2020 targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12653/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund) under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 (the Act). The State funding provided to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and to Bord na gCon (BNG) is crucial to sustain the horse racing and greyhound industries which account for an estimated 27,000 jobs, generating approximately €1.4bn in economic output.

The Fund has allowed Ireland to develop into a world centre of excellence for horseracing and greyhound racing and has allowed HRI and BNG to undertake various initiatives including capital investment programmes that have underpinned growth in the sectors in the context of strong international competition in the breeding, training and racing sectors. Both industries have a national network of breeders, owners, trainers racecourses and they maintain a unique skill base. These industries make a vital contribution to the rural economy including farm incomes, are export orientated and attract foreign direct investment.

By sustaining employment, generating economic activity and increasing exports both industries make a very important contribution to achieving Goal 1 in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2011-2014 – "Progressing, in collaboration with relevant sectors and State Bodies, the further development of the agri-food and marine sector including the achievement of Food Harvest 2020 targets."