Animal Breeding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025

Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Questions (616, 625, 629)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

616. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of recent additional requirements from Horse Sport Ireland for applicants to the breeding grants funds to provide a complete insurance policy before any funds can be accessed; the basis on which this is being requested and by whom; if funding will be refused to those who do not provide this information; if he is aware of the complex insurance sensitivities that may prevent applicants from being in a position to provide this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13720/25]

Donna McGettigan

Question:

625. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for clarification on the breeding grant fund, which is funded by his Department and administered by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), and where the HSI has implemented a new requirement for applicants to provide a complete insurance policy before any funds can be accessed, whether this directive comes from his Department, which oversees the funding allocation (details supplied). [13958/25]

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

629. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken to address concerns on the administration of the breeding grant fund (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14179/25]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 616, 625 and 629 together.

The contract for delivering Equine National Breeding Services (NBS) on behalf of my Department was awarded to Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) following a competitive public procurement competition. The programme of measures delivered by HSI under the NBS includes a 'Breeding Grant' scheme.

I understand from HSI that it is engaging directly with the named applicant regarding the requirement for the provision of an insurance policy.