2697. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the review (details supplied)of his Department's governance of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund, sent to the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts in November 2025, and specifically on the implementation of its recommendation to increase the share of the fund ring-fenced for welfare purposes; the number of equine fatalities related to the 2026 Galway Races Summer Festival; if his Department attaches any reporting or publication conditions to HRI's funding in respect of equine fatalities; if not, whether it intends to do so; and to make a statement on the matter. [60806/26]

The 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.

The Review of the Governance of the Horse & Greyhound Racing Fund, which was carried out by Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants identified a number of recommendations for consideration with the objective of further enhancing the financial management and governance of the Fund.

I am satisfied that my Department has engaged with the relevant bodies and several of the recommendations have been implemented. My Department is continuing to work with the bodies in relation to the remaining recommendations and it is anticipated that an agreed share of the fund ring-fenced for welfare and integrity purposes for both RCÉ and HRI will be agreed shortly.

HRI has informed my Department that any fatality is deeply regretted and the circumstances surrounding any racecourse fatality are reviewed by the Veterinary Department of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB). There were 783 runners in the 2026 Galway Races Summer Festival and five fatalities. Of the 53 races run during the festival, 51 were completed without any fatality. The two races in which fatalities occurred are currently under review to determine if there were any common factors associated with these incidents.

The welfare of thoroughbreds is a matter of great importance for my Department and as a condition of the funding HRI receives from my Department, it is required to continue its work with all industry stakeholders, including the IHRB to ensure that equine welfare is central to all its activities. A key priority in HRIs Strategic Plan 2024-2028 is to cultivate zero compromise in equine safety and care standards. HRI is required to provide regular reports to my Department on the equine care and welfare key performance indicators set out in their strategic plan and my Department monitor these closely.