Written answers

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Horse and Greyhound Fund

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the greyhound and horse raising industries are being subsidised to the tune of €55 million while the respite care grant is cut by €26 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56998/12]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Exchequer support is provided annually to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Bord na gCon (BNG) as commercial State Bodies established under legislation in 2001 and in 1958 to develop the bloodstock and greyhound industries, respectively.

The Irish bloodstock industry and greyhound industries are estimated to support approximately 28,000 jobs and provide €1.4bn in economic output. Both are export orientated industries and provide employment in rural areas. Ireland is the fourth largest producer of thoroughbreds in the world, producing 40% of the EU output, and 11% of the world’s total. Over two thirds of the production of Irish thoroughbreds is exported each year to over 35 countries around the world, with a total value of over €150m last year.

In providing financial assistance to both State Bodies, successive Governments have recognised the economic importance and world class standing of these industries and the very substantial support provided to the bloodstock industries in competitor countries. Both industries provide a very good return in terms of employment, direct foreign investment, exports and in attracting tourism.

Financial support is provided through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund), which was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, to HRI and BNG to assist them in carrying out their functions. The level of support has been reduced by 28% since 2008 due to budgetary constraints. The Minister for Finance has published the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2012 which when enacted will ensure the revenue generated from the betting industry will increase significantly thereby reducing further the net Exchequer contribution to the sector.

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