Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016
316. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a report (details supplied) concerning the Irish Harness Racing Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5960/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to acknowledge the work being carried out by the Irish Harness Racing Association to develop the sport in Ireland. In this regard it has requested financial support from my Department. However in the absence of economic data it is difficult to determine what the industry can contribute. My Department will carry out a comprehensive economic analysis of the harness racing industry to determine its current and potential return to the Irish economy. This will require the commissioning of an independent economic consultant to carry out the task. My Department is at present deciding on the terms of reference for such a study. Once the terms of reference are agreed the tendering process will commence.
In the meantime my Department has been working with the IHRA to provide some support for the industry. The IHRA is to be a beneficiary in 2016 for the first time of an Equine Infrastructure grant scheme operated by my Department. Under the Scheme, the IHRA has been approved for grants totalling €21,704 for projects involving the up-grading of the Association’s Registration System and Website, a presence at the RDS Horse Show to promote the trotters and Pacer Studbooks, a Conference and Presentation to promote breeding and for developing its links with international organisations. A further project with a focus on equine welfare is being considered.
