John Connor
Question:93 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will make a statement on the future role of the Irish Horse Board Co-operative.
Written Answers. - Irish Horse Board Co-operative.
In November 92 the Irish Horse Board submitted a development plan on the future of the non-thoroughbred horse industry. The plan aims to — maintain the Irish Horse Register; — improve the quality of the Irish sport and leisure horse; — promote the sport and leisure horse industry as a viable supplementary farm enterprise; — identify markets and help define breeding goals which best serve these markets; to promote the Irish horse in these markets; — promote the training of breeders in technical aspects of horse production; — assist the promotion of equestrian tourism; — represent the interest of breeders on various bodies and co-ordinate matters of concern between the co-operative and other interested groups.
I have accepted the main thrust of the plan. In addition my Department and the board are working towards the provision of up-to-date computer facilities for the maintenance of the horse register. Consultations are also under way as regards the long term financing arrangements of the co-operative and these should be finalised shortly.