THE Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association has received some Government support in its bid to secure additional funding for the breeding industry from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR).

The BAR is a European Union fund which aims to provide financial support to regions most affected by Britain’s departure from the EU. Ireland, as the member state most affected, has received a significant allocation of over €1 billion, or just over 20% of the entire Reserve.

Senator Fiona O’Loughlin (Fianna Fáil) raised the matter in the Seanad this week, quoting figures supplied by ITBA chairperson Cathy Grassick that the Irish breeding industry had lost out on €11 million through a decrease in broodmare traffic between Ireland and Britain over the past two years.

“That is a colossal income deficit that the industry cannot afford,” the Senator said. “There are other ancillary industries that would also gain if we were to return to the previous level. They are also losing out.”

Minister for State Martin Heydon (Fine Gael) was in the Seanad to make a reply. He said: “The ITBA has submitted a proposal for a significant funding allocation from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to the Department of Agriculture. The proposal is centred on three key supports.

“First is the development of new and existing markets. As Minister of State with responsibility for new market development, I am keen to see help being given to support that; second, reducing costs and enhancing ease of trade between Britain and Ireland; and third, supporting thoroughbred breeders on-farm efficiencies to reduce costs.

“The ITBA has indicated that the premise of the application is to support Irish thoroughbred breeders as a direct result of the impacts arising from Brexit.

“There are significant state aid considerations. The submission made by the ITBA is currently being considered in this context by my Department. We must make sure we navigate those state aid requirements, which are complex and rigorous.

“I know many people in the industry and have met so many breeders and this has been raised with me by the ITBA and others. The fact is they have a very strong case about the impact of Brexit. We need to make sure we can navigate those state aid requirements to try to get support to the industry that is very much a bedrock of economic activity in rural Ireland.”

ITBA chairman Cathy Grassick said: “There is no doubt that Brexit and the new requirements imposed upon Irish breeders has had a detrimental financial effect on the industry. With this in mind, the ITBA put together a comprehensive proposal to the Brexit Adjustment Reserve in order to support Irish breeders and an industry that is of vital importance to the rural economy.

“We have worked closely with Minister McConalogue, Minister Heydon and Minister Hackett on this matter and thank them for their help to date. We welcome Senator McLoughlin’s support in the Seanad this week in highlighting the importance of this issue and the timely nature of its resolution, given that the breeding season is only around the corner.”