Catherine Murphy
Question:116. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that the thoroughbred foal levy, administered by Horse Racing Ireland since 2000, is presently calculated using the advertised fee of the sire of the foal being registered, and not on the actual value of the foal, nor on the actual fee paid for the stallion in question; if he is further aware that under this methodology, small breeders with two to three mares, who produce up to 70% to 80% of all foals, contribute a proportionately higher foal levy amount on less valuable stallions; that more valuable stallions, commonly used by large stud farms, pay proportionately far less; if this regressivity in the design of the levy was intentional from the outset; if he is considering amending it to make the charge payable more progressive, according to the actual value of the foal and or stallion subject to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39920/15]
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