Pearse Doherty
Question:161. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Exchequer supplement paid to Horse Racing Ireland in 2013 and the estimated cost in 2014. [4348/14]
View answerWednesday, 29 January 2014
Questions (161)
Written answers
Government support for the horse and greyhound racing industries is provided under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, established under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001. In accordance with the Act, 80% and 20% of the monies paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon, respectively. The amounts provided under this measure are approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas on an annual basis.
The horse and greyhound racing industries generate very substantial economic activity and make a vital contribution to the rural economy including farm incomes. These industries attract significant inward investment into the country. The most recent estimates available report that the horse racing industry contributes €1.1m to the economy and support 14,000 jobs.
Receipts from excise duty collected on off-course betting amounted to €27.1m in 2012 and €25.4m in 2013. The revenue stream from betting will increase when the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2014, which is currently being considered by the Oireachtas, is enacted. This legislation will bring remote and on-line betting within the regulatory framework and the tax net.
The amounts paid from the Fund to HRI in 2013 and the amount to be paid in 2014 is as follows:
|
- |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Horse Racing Ireland |
€44,016,000 |
€43,376,000 |
The level of State support provided to the horse racing industry has dropped by 29% since 2008.