Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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882. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that up to 200 horses along with up to 350 trainers, jockeys and grooms are preparing to go to the UK for Cheltenham week from 16 to 19 March 2021 at a time when infection rates of the British variant of Covid-19 are likely to be still very high; if he has been notified of and or approved these travel preparations; if any of those preparing to go to Cheltenham are in receipt of or benefit from the €76.8 million of State funding to Horse Racing Ireland, directly or indirectly; if Horse Racing Ireland will be sending an official delegation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3687/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.

Following a Government meeting on Friday 15th May 2020, the decision was taken to allow racing to resume behind closed doors (no spectators) from 8th June 2020 subject to strict protocols.

HRI has informed me that it is too early to speculate with regard to Irish-trained horses travelling to Cheltenham this year. Travel advice in relation to persons accompanying any horses to Cheltenham will be in line with the Government Regulations relating to COVID-19 at the time.

Horse Racing Ireland has also informed me that it does not envisage sending a delegation to Cheltenham in 2021.