Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
333. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason he will not meet persons (details supplied) in County Galway who are involved in a major equine development in China, in view of the economic benefit that could accrue to Ireland from this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13075/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI received an email from Deputy Ó Cuív on 2 March 2015 regarding the persons named and the proposed development of an equestrian centre in China. I replied to the Deputy on 5 March indicating that I would welcome more detailed information from the persons named on their project as it proceeds. I understand from my trade missions to China that there are significant opportunities for the development of exports of sport horses from Ireland to China.
Horse Sport Ireland has informed my Department that they have undertaken some exploratory initiatives in regard to the export of sport horses from Ireland to China.
I recently launched the Strategic Plan for the sport horse sector that was drawn up by Horse Sport Ireland, Teagasc and the Royal Dublin Society. The Strategy Report highlights the need to improve the marketing and sales capacity across the industry and emphasises the need to grow exports of sport horses to a range of markets, including China.
