Réada Cronin
Question:259. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of those arrested for illegal horse racing on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27870/26]
View answerThursday, 16 April 2026
Questions (259)
Written answers
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there is no structured crime / offence category or arrest reason specific to sulky racing on the PULSE system. As a result, An Garda Síochána cannot definitively state the number of arrests for such incidents.
With regard to any criminality related to sulky racing, including road traffic and safety violations, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the direction and control of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters, which incorporates road traffic enforcement. In this regard, all road users are subject to road traffic legislation and I would encourage anyone who has knowledge of a criminal act, or believes that a criminal act may have occurred, to contact their local/nearest Garda station to report this.
As the Deputy may be aware sulky racing and related issues also often involve animal welfare. Matters relating to legislation concerning animal welfare and its implementation fall within the remit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.