My Department is fully committed to maximising the potential of the Sport Horse industry and continues to provide support to it both financially and with policy initiatives. I have demonstrated my commitment to the industry by increasing the budget allocated to Horse Sport Ireland from €2.0m in 2017 to €2.5m in 2018 and I have approved a further increase of €500,000 to €3.0m in 2019. This is an increase of 50% on the 2017 allocation.
I have recently received a funding submission from HSI for 2020. I will consider the detail of this submission in the context of the 2020 budget negotiations.
In 2016, my Department commissioned Indecon International Consultants to undertake a review of Horse Sport Ireland. The report was published in 2017. My Department continues to work closely with Horse Sport Ireland on the implementation of the recommendations. I am pleased to note that much progress has been made in that regard.