Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
984. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Irish draught horse will be given a protected designation such as those that are recognised by UNESCO, as they relate, for instance to cultural practices, sports and specific locations given its unique status.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8358/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhilst it is not a UNESCO designation the Irish Draught horse has been designated with rare breed status and has therefore received special funding from my Department under the various agri-environmental schemes in the past such as GLAS. The breed, because of this status has also availed of funding under the Rare Breed Preservation Scheme and the Conservation of Genetic Resources grant scheme. Rare Breeds are part of Ireland's biodiversity and an important genetic resource and should be part of any future agri-schemes.
Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is approved by my Department to maintain the Irish Draught Horse Studbook and it operates a comprehensive breed improvement programme and undertakes promotional, marketing and other initiatives to conserve the breed.
My Department is fully committed to maintaining this native Irish breed and continues to provide support to it both financially and with policy initiatives.
