Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
897. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Ministerial direction provided to Horse Racing Ireland with regard to the expenditure of its allocation of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35873/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The horse and greyhound racing industries receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund (the Fund) as provided for under Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001.
My Department makes payments from the Fund to HRI and to Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ). This is distributed in accordance with Section 12(6) of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, with 80% allocated to HRI and 20% to RCÉ.
Following Oireachtas approval of the Fund my Department issues a "parameters letter" to HRI advising the body of the allocation from the Fund and the split between current and capital funding distribution. The letter also advises HRI that it must comply with certain conditions in relation to this funding.
These conditions include compliance with obligations under legislation and the various Codes and directives issued by the Government and by my Department.
In 2022, HRI will receive €70.4m from the Fund of which €14.7m will be for capital spending and €55.7m for current spending. In relation to the allocation of €55.7m for current expenditure, no more than 80% is to be applied for prize money and a minimum of 20% is to be applied for integrity services. As part of this process HRI is also requested to provide formal assurances to my Department in relation to the previous years' allocation from the Fund.
