Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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917. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has explored the potential development of the harness racing sector as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10061/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Harness Racing Association (IHRA) is a representative body for harness racing in Ireland.

From 2016 to date grants totaling some €175,000 have been paid to the IHRA under the Equine Infrastructure Scheme operated by my Department. Other supports have also been provided my Department in relation to the production of a strategic plan and an education programme aimed at road racing sulky participants.

My Department has received a number of funding submissions from the IHRA which have been reviewed by my officials and myself. In that context, I recently met with representatives of the IHRA and will provide a response to the IHRA in relation to the issues raised in the near future.