The Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture said, “The TAMS scheme should be extended to include equine and allow small family farm breeders access the fund.
“The horse breeding industry is an essential component of rural economies across the country and small family breeders with a handful of mares are a backbone of the industry.
“The sport horse sector and the thoroughbred sector support a vast number of jobs in rural communities and the extension of the scheme to support equine would allow for small family farm breeders to better maintain and develop their stabling and equine housing facilities.
“I've spoken with Minister McConalogue who confirmed to me his desire to support the area given its importance to farm families and the wider rural economy. I believe he will look favourably at the issue.”