Surely the fact that it is so big should mean it doesn't need tens of millions in taxpayer subsidies?Horse racing is one of the largest employers in the country, Depending on what report you look at, the figures employed range from 14000 to 30000 (I do think the later is is totally overstated by the way). I know where I grew up in rural Ireland I could name a half a dozen trainers of various sizes employing between 5 and 20 people within 5 miles of my home. Aside from farming, in parts of Ireland, it is probably one of the biggest employers.
As for gambling, then you could say the same about grant aiding every sport. Why does the GAA get a grant when it's matches can be bet on, same applies to the FAI and the IRFU? The issue on grants for horse racing is less to do with supporting horse racing and more to do with the unfettered oversight of gambling in Ireland. Gambling and lack of control and regulation is the issue.
Why does it need big grants? Why is it unable to sustain itself?I have no problem with the livestock industry receiving grants. It is a huge employer and part of our heritage.
I don't know, I'm a former low grade Public Service worker not an expert of finance. But, next time I meet a Senior Member of any of the Main Banks and I'll ask him (not likely to be a her), I'll ask why the banks needed to be bailed out by the Irish taxpayer.Why does it need big grants? Why is it unable to sustain itself?
In terms of size, you could say the same about any large industry in Ireland yet most get some grant of some sort, in a lot of cases, to encourage employment.Surely the fact that it is so big should mean it doesn't need tens of millions in taxpayer subsidies?
Racing and gambling have a much bigger direct link than sports and gambling (although that is huge also). You go racing and there are bookies everywhere. You see kids going to the Tote counter with their parents. That doesn't happen with sports.
GAA, rugby, etc. play an important role in keeping people fit, giving children team-playing and leadership skills, and can contribute a lot to local communities. Racing does not give the same personal and social benefits. I wouldn't watch a football/soccer match if you paid me but I am happy for my taxes to support local clubs.
They should have given the 120m to animal racing, the climate change battle is lost at this stage.Priorities really...
95m for animal racing
25m to reduce the effects of climate change (COP28)
The government is spending multiples of that on climate change, reducing emissions, switching over energy production, home energy changes etc etcPriorities really...
95m for animal racing
25m to reduce the effects of climate change (COP28)
Yea, but farming food is more important than farming sports animals.horse racing, due to it's low intensity farming, would have a much lower environmental impact then dairy or beef
There is a difference. Nobody's going to complain that State aid is giving Irish Rugby an unfair competitive edge in the sport. There are considerable complaints from English trainers that Irish prize money is giving their rivals in Ireland a considerable commercial edge in the industry.State Aid cannot support anti-competetive matters but there are exceptions where the positive effects outweigh the negative. It's no real difference then grant aiding the FAI or the IRFU.
The English are complaining about it. It is giving Irish Rugby an advantage, look at the amount of English clubs that have collapsed in the last 18 months, Worcester, London Irish, Jersey to name but 3 and the likelihood is there will be more.. Look at the abject failings of Scotland and Wales at underage level.There is a difference. Nobody's going to complain that State aid is giving Irish Rugby an unfair competitive edge in the sport. There are considerable complaints from English trainers that Irish prize money is giving their rivals in Ireland a considerable commercial edge in the industry.
The fact that the English RFU and the English Premiership compete with each other is the problem there. Their argument is that they have rubbish structures so we should have rubbish structures as well. The fact is that Irish Rugby is well supported with average attendances similar to those in England but with better sponsorship and better structures.The English are complaining about it. It is giving Irish Rugby an advantage, look at the amount of English clubs that have collapsed in the last 18 months, Worcester, London Irish, Jersey to name but 3 and the likelihood is there will be more.. Look at the abject failings of Scotland and Wales at underage level.
We also have fewer individuals (club owners) trying to use it as a vehicle for personal gain.The fact is that Irish Rugby is well supported with average attendances similar to those in England but with better sponsorship and better structures.
25M over two years to quote Leo.25m to reduce the effects of climate change (COP28)
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