asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans he has to develop the horse industry in Ireland.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Horse Industry.
10.
Following the publication of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Thoroughbred Horse Breeding Industry the views of the various interests concerned with breeding and racing were examined and I will be submitting proposals on the future of the industry to the Government shortly.
As regards the non-thoroughbred horse industry, discussions are taking place with the various interests concerned with the half-bred horse industry. When these are finalised I will submit my proposals regarding the future of the sector to the Government. In the meantime the winding up of the affairs of Bord na gCapall is proceeding. The Irish Horse Register and Register of Approved Stallions are being administered by my Department and the inspection of riding establishments is being carried out by the Association of Irish Riding Establishments on a voluntary basis.
Is it the Minister's intention that time be made available in the House to debate that report.
I hope so. When I introduce the legislation there will obviously be Government time.
As the Minister responsible for the racing industry, has the Minister's notice been brought to bear on press reports which indicate that there have been irregularities in the running of certain horses and races?
That is a separate matter.
I am aware of certain reports although nothing has been officially brought to my attention.
When does the Minister think he will be able to bring forward his proposals in relation to the half-bred horse industry? The last time I raised this question with the Minister it seemed to be very low on his list of priorities whereas I think it is urgent. In addition a number of rumours have been circulated in relation to the register. Can the Minister give any definitive statement as to what can be done in relation to the register?
There are a number of interests involved which do not start from the same base. That is widely known in this whole sector. I had submitted proposals which seemed to be generally acceptable until some of those conflicting interests objected to what seemed to be generally acceptable but I have since had further discussions and I hope shortly to be able to reconcile the conflicting interests of which there are 13 or 14 different ones in the whole half-bred horse industry.
It is time for a decision.
Of course it is but this involves getting the co-operation of all the interests concerned.
Is the Minister aware of the recent EC Directive on genealogical matters and their possible effect on the thoroughbred industry? Will the Minister monitor the possible effects if and when that is implemented?
I will. It is a separate matter but I take the Deputy's point.