Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021
1028. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if urgent supports and measures will be provided as a response to the financial implications for the national hunt horse racing industry caused by the decision to cancel all point- to-point races under current restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7161/21]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
Under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, my Department provides funding to HRI on an annual basis.
Under this provision, for 2021, my Department has allocated €76.8 million to HRI to assist the horse racing and wider thoroughbred industry. This allocation represents an increase of €9.6m or 14% on the allocation provided to HRI of €67.2 million in 2020.
The objective of this increase is in part to assist the industry in dealing with the twin challenges of COVID-19 and Brexit.
