Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
467. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the number of prosecutions in the past five years specifically related to sulky racing and related offenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSulky racing and related issues are primarily animal welfare-related. Matters relating to legislation concerning animal welfare and its implementation fall within the remit of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
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 I 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.
Under law, criminal investigations are carried out by An Garda Síochána, who submit a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The DPP decides whether a prosecution should proceed, and what crime will be prosecuted
The DPP is fully independent in her functions under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1974 (as amended). The Office of the DPP is not an agency or body under my remit. As Minister for Justice and I have no role in the operations, functions, oversight or governance of the Office of the Director. As such I am unable to provide any statistics related to the work of the DPP.
