Kildare South TD, Seán Ó Fearghaíl is pleased to announce the establishment of the Oireachtas friends of Irish racing and bloodstock sector.
Chaired by Deputy Ó Fearghaíl with Kildare South and Labour Party TD Mark Wall acting as Vice Chair, the cross-party friendship group, supported by Horse Racing Ireland, will promote and support the Irish thoroughbred racing and breeding industry which supports 30,000 jobs, mainly in rural Ireland, and generates €2.46 billion for the economy.
The primary goal of the Oireachtas friends of Irish racing and bloodstock sector is to promote the horse racing and bloodstock industries within Dáil and Seanad Éireann.
The objectives of the group will include:
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To keep government informed on current issues and developments within the horse racing and bloodstock sectors.
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Foster positive relationships among all sectors of the horse racing and thoroughbred breeding industry.
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Promote the well-being and sustainability of the sector, which makes significant financial, cultural, and social contributions to the island of Ireland.
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Support the high level of human and equine welfare standards.
Following the recent inaugural meeting Seán Ó Fearghaíl said “We intend to gather again in February and invite all Oireachtas members who wish to come forward and join this informal cross-party group. It is our intention to reflect the importance of the bloodstock industry to the Irish economy, the manner in which the Irish public embraces the sport, and its internationally positive reputational impact for our country. “
Mark Wall TD said “The Irish horse and breeding sector is so important to our economy and the rural economy in particular, proudly coming from the Thoroughbred County, I see at first hand the importance of this industry to County Kildare.
I look forward to working with the sector and this new cross-party committee on promoting its well-being and sustainability and maintaining the highest level of human and equine welfare.”
ENDS
