Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021
254. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider point-to-point as an elite sport in terms of employment but also in terms of the money generated to the economy in order that it can return in the coming weeks taking into account the stringent protocols put in place through work with organisations and a person (details supplied) since meetings were resumed in 2020. [6082/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
Government has requested that Point to Point racing be discontinued under current regulations relating to COVID-19. HRI has informed this Department that this request is being complied with .
The economic impact of the cessation is of concern, however, the pre-eminence of the protection of public health in the current pandemic situation is at the fore of such considerations.
The situation will continue to be actively monitored.
