Horse Racing Industry Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Ceisteanna (554)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

554. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to immediately suspend the Irish foal levy which was introduced in 2000 which is based on the advertised nomination fee of the foal's sire rather than the actual payment for the stallion's services and where the suspension of the current system which has been the subject of an adverse court judgment will allow for a proper review to take place and deal with actual fees paid for services rather than punitive figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11844/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The current Foal Levy scheme, which was introduced in 2000 on a statutory basis, applies to all thoroughbred foals registered in Ireland.

The proceeds of the levy are used by Horse Racing Ireland to help fund the Irish Equine Centre, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. These organisations provide key support structures to the Irish thoroughbred breeding industry.

The foal levy is a relatively small element of the overall cost of keeping and covering a mare, and for reasons of practicality, is based on the advertised nomination fee rather than actual fee paid.

There is currently a very high compliance level with the Foal Levy scheme and it is kept under review to ensure fairness in its application.

My Department is seeking legal advice on the implications, if any, of the Court judgement.

Against the background outlined, I have no plans to change the current arrangements for the Foal Levy.