Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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517. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an application for funding (details supplied) has been successful; if so, when moneys will be made available; if not, the reasons for a refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29522/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department has been working with the Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA) to provide some support for the industry. The IHRA are beneficiaries, for the first time, of an Equine Infrastructure grant scheme operated by my Department. Under the Scheme, the IHRA has been approved for grants totalling €21,704.

My Department has commenced the process of tendering for an independent evaluator to complete an economic evaluation of the potential of the Harness Racing sector in Ireland. This evaluation is being progressed as a priority and it is hoped that an evaluator will have been appointed by early December.

IHRA may have the potential to develop the sport in Ireland and bring it more into line with the profile it enjoys elsewhere. On publication of the Economic Valuation report, I will examine future funding possibilities for this sector.