Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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634. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the horse and greyhound racing industries are grossly more funded than any other sports; if he agrees that there are many projects that could bring better social benefits (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24843/23]

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 2023 Deloitte Report into the Social and Economic Impact of Irish Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing, commissioned by HRI, indicates that the total direct and stimulated expenditure of the Irish breeding and racing industry is estimated at €2.46 billion in 2022. In addition, it is estimated that the industry supports the direct and indirect employment of 30,000 people.

I am satisfied that the funding provided to the sector provides significant economic and social benefit, in rural and urban areas.