Whilst it is not a UNESCO designation the Irish Draught horse has been designated with rare breed status and has therefore received special funding from my Department under the various agri-environmental schemes in the past such as GLAS. The breed, because of this status has also availed of funding under the Rare Breed Preservation Scheme and the Conservation of Genetic Resources grant scheme. Rare Breeds are part of Ireland's biodiversity and an important genetic resource and should be part of any future agri-schemes.
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is approved by my Department to maintain the Irish Draught Horse Studbook and it operates a comprehensive breed improvement programme and undertakes promotional, marketing and other initiatives to conserve the breed.
My Department is fully committed to maintaining this native Irish breed and continues to provide support to it both financially and with policy initiatives.