Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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2444. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding point-to-point racing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18321/21]

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.

Point-to-Point racing is funded by HRI and operates under the rules and regulations of the Irish Horse Regulatory Board (IHRB). The Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee (INHSC) is the governing committee.

On 13th January 2021, Government confirmed that Point-to-Point Racing was not considered to be an Elite Sport within the COVID-19 regulations at that time and was to cease immediately. HRI confirmed to the Department that point to point events ceased from that date. The need to protect public health in the current pandemic situation at a time when number of cases were high was pre-eminent.

Following the recent Government decision regarding the limited easing of certain COVID-19 related restrictions, HRI and the INHSC has confirmed that a phased and limited reintroduction of point-to-point racing began on 10th April.

HRI and the IHRB are ensuring that these fixtures are staged in a controlled manner, based on the health and safety protocols which have been applied effectively at race meetings.