Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
469. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the impact that the movement of yearling auctions outside of the State due to Covid-19 restrictions will have on horse breeders; the supports that are available to breeders; his views on whether sales will return to their traditional venues in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38533/21]
View answerI am aware that a number of private companies that operate public horse auctions in Ireland have decided to relocate auctions abroad. These operational decisions were taken by the management of the companies themselves.
My Government colleagues and I are constantly reviewing health regulations as they currently apply to the COVID-19 pandemic. These regulations are informed by advice that the Government receives from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The need to protect public health in the current pandemic situation is pre-eminent.
