Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
512. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether a conflict of interest exists when public representatives who own, part-own or otherwise have a financial interest in a registered racehorse or racing greyhound vote in favour of budgetary allocations to both the horse and greyhound racing industries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71039/25]
View answerThe horse and greyhound racing industries, via Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ), receive financial support from the State through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund.
In budget 2026, €99.1m has been allocated to the Fund of which €79.3m will be allocated to HRI and €19.8m to RCÉ. This allocation has been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas and is split 80/20 between HRI and RCÉ respectively in line with the relevant legislation.
The funding supports a range of measures across both sectors and is not provided for the direct benefit of any individual.
