Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2012
153. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his plans to introduce legislation or regulation to protect our National Hunt industry, which provides employment for a great many people in rural Ireland and is losing its position in the British market to French bred horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40848/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland holds a pre-eminent position in the thoroughbred racing and breeding world. Successive Governments have recognised the importance of the horse industry and have supported it through legislation and policy initiatives. Infrastructural supports are provided to the industry through various measures operated by my Department. This commitment to investment has enabled Ireland to develop into a world centre of excellence for horse racing and breeding.
The Irish bloodstock breeding and racing industry is of major national importance in terms of employment - especially in rural areas - exports and tourism. Ireland is the fourth largest breeder of thoroughbreds in the world. In excess of 40% of the EU output of thoroughbreds and 11% of the total worldwide are produced in Ireland. The World Thoroughbred Rankings show that 6 of the top 10 and 14 of the top 30 two-year-olds in the world in 2011 were Irish–trained. Approximately 17,300 people are employed in the thoroughbred industry in Ireland, mostly in rural areas and it attracts significant inward investment to the country.
My Department commissioned Indecon consultants to undertake an external review of the Irish Horse Racing Industry and this report was published in July.
The Review covers a number of crucial aspects of the industry
- Funding;
- Board of HRI;
- Streamlining of Functions;
- Marketing and Competitiveness of the Sector; and
- Legislative/Governance Changes.
I am considering the Indecon report and have not made a final decision on the recommendations as yet.
