Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
613. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board took in 2022, 2023 and 2024 to advise the public or those working in the sector of complaint procedures around poor stable facilities or the ill treatment of horses under their authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15384/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is the regulatory body for all horseracing in Ireland. The role of the IHRB is provided for under the Horse Racing Ireland Act 2016 and subsequent Statutory Instruments, however the body itself remains a private entity.
Under the Act, the IHRB is solely and independently responsible for making and enforcing the Rules of Racing and licensing all participants including Trainers.
The IHRB has informed my Department that equine anti-doping and welfare are top priorities for the body and they have no tolerance for any rule breaches in this regard.
The IHRB has further informed my Department that since 2015, the body has operated a confidential phone line and encourages anyone, whether within the industry or among the general public, who knows anything which they believe might compromise the integrity of the sport in any way to speak confidentially to an IHRB official. The confidential phone line is publicised through the IHRB website and by way of printed notices positioned at appropriate locations around racecourses.
