Horse Racing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024

Wednesday, 6 March 2024

Ceisteanna (167)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

167. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for delays each year in the opening of breeding schemes for breeders of sport horses administered by Horse Sport Ireland; if he will confirm that the breeding schemes for 2024 will open to breeders during the actual breeding season or if as 2021, 2022 and 2023 schemes will open during or after the season; the rationale for such delays; the process undertaken by Horse Sport Ireland to develop 2024 programmes; the number of breeder and other studbooks engaged/consulted with by HSI in that preparation process; if there are enough resources within his Department to adequately and competently administer equine programmes for the sport horse and thoroughbred industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11084/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The provision of breeding services to the Sport Horse Industry is being delivered under contract by the named organisation since January 2023.  As part of the contract, the named organisation is required to consult industry stakeholders, including studbooks, with regard to the annual work programme and to submit same to my Department for assessment and agreement.  This process is well advanced in 2024 and agreement of the 2024 programme is imminent. 

I am satisfied that adequate and competent resources are committed by my Department for both the evaluation and management of the breeding programme and supports to the thoroughbred industry.