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Animal Breeding Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 September 2020

Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Ceisteanna (158)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

158. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his priorities for improving the breeding and production of sports horses within Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24381/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I believe this is a sector that has significant potential to grow and develop providing increased returns to the economy My Department is fully committed to maximising the potential of the Sport Horse industry and continues to provide support to it financially and with policy initiatives. I have demonstrated my commitment to the industry by increasing the budget allocated to Horse Sport Ireland from €2.5m in 2018 to €3m in 2019 and a further €1m increase to €4.0m has been allocated in 2020.

My Department is committed to assist in the promotion and development of equine breeding and production systems in the country. This is achieved through working closely with Horse Sport Ireland. The sector has had tremendous successes in the Eventing discipline over many years with the Irish Sport Horse Studbook being first in the world rankings for 22 out of last 25 years.  In recent years there have been major successes for our young horses in the show-jumping discipline in World Studbook championships with these horses excelling at international venues like Lanaken in Belgium. Building on the key principles of good breed improvement programmes and development of breeders to access young horses early and produce them early for their appropriate market, Horse sport Ireland have proposed the National Equine Production Pathway as part of their Strategic Plan. This programme supports horse assessments, health screening, young horse production and educational days for breeders. This is clearly a programme I can support.

My hope for the sector is for Ireland to be in the top division of the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horse Studbook ranking for show-jumping in 10 – 5 years, producing horses that fit with market demands, properly produced for that market.  I will continue to work closely with Horse Sport Ireland so that this can be achieved.

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