Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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548. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline his engagement with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media concerning a report (details supplied) querying the use of public funds to support the greyhound racing industry and questioning whether a portion of betting tax income could be redirected to soccer and other sports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23115/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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According to the 2021 Power Report, commissioned by RCÉ, the greyhound industry provides and supports considerable employment both directly and indirectly across the Irish economy.

It is estimated that in 2019, the industry supported 4,150 full-time and part-time jobs in the economy. In addition, there are 6,211 active greyhound owners. The total number of people deriving economic benefit from the greyhound sector is estimated at 10,361.

The initial funding model for the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund provided that the Fund would each year be financed by an amount equal to the revenue from excise duty on off-course betting in the preceding year or the year 2000 increased by reference to the Consumer Price Index, whichever was greater (section 12(4) of the Act). This formula applied for the years 2001-2008.

Since 2009, the decision on the proposed annual amount to be allocated to the Fund is made in the context of the budgetary process (estimates allocation). Once the budget is announced, the proposed allocation must be formalised by Regulation. There are currently no plans to change this process.