Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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1171. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the Kerry Bog Pony, traditionally used for hauling peat from the bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37322/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Kerry Bog Pony is recognised within Ireland and further afield as a rare traditional Irish pony breed. The Kerry Bog Pony Society is approved by my Department to maintain the Kerry Bog Pony studbook and records all pedigrees of ponies of that breed. It is also responsible for preserving and promoting the breed and for devising and implementing a breed improvement programme. In recognition of the breed’s importance and in support of the Breed Society, my Department allocated €2,374 in funding this year under the National Development Plan, towards the Society’s National Classification Inspection Programme.

In addition the Kerry Bog Pony has been recognised as a native breed under the Rural Environmental Protection Schemes (REPS) and Agriculture Environmental Option Scheme (AEOS) and in this regard farmers participating in these schemes have been financially supported in the rearing of these animals.

I am sure the deputy will agree that these supports demonstrate my Department’s commitment to preserving and developing the Kerry Bog Pony breed.