Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
161. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view that Government policy for the past 15 years has revolved around centralising sport horse services through the Horse Sport Ireland organisation, his views that changes in long established Government policy should be decided by way of tender decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11078/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Sport Ireland (HSI) is the national governing body for equestrian sport (there are more than 20 affiliate organisations) in Ireland. It is recognised by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the Irish Sports Council, the Olympic Council of Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland. It was established in 2007 on a 32 county basis when the Equestrian Federation of Ireland and the Irish Horse Board were amalgamated, bringing together the breeding and competition sectors.
HSI is also a recognised breed society and approved to maintain the Irish Sport Horse, Irish Draught Horse, Irish Sport Pony and Irish Cob Studbooks in accordance with the Animal Breeding Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2016/1012).
A complaint was lodged with the EU Commission in March 2018 in relation to alleged unlawful state aid paid to HSI by my Department. Following communications between my Department and the Commission, it was agreed that a public procurement process would take place in 2022 in respect of certain services namely, studbooks, national breeding and marketing.
Following the tendering process the successful tenderers were as follows:
- National Breeding Services – Horse Sport Ireland,
- Marketing Services for the Sport Horse Sector – Irish Horse Board, and
- Provision of Studbook services – Horse Sport Ireland (3 lots).
I am satisfied with the arrangements currently in place for the provision of the aforementioned supports to the sector.
