Equine Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 September 2014

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Questions (218)

John McGuinness

Question:

218. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to rule number 3.5.2 of the Show Jumping Ireland rule book and a newspaper article (details supplied); his views on the issues raised and the action he plans to take; if he plans to establish a database of such sport horses which have been imported; if he will introduce regulations for the importation and classification of sport horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35254/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware of the position whereby a horse that is imported into Ireland may, upon registration with Showjumping Ireland (SJI), be allocated a number of showjumping points in a situation where relevant supporting performance documentation is not provided by the owner. Showjumping Ireland is an independent sporting organisation and does not come under the remit of my Department. SJI is however an affiliate organisation of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), the governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland.

The issue to which the Deputy refers was highlighted at a public consultation meeting of the HSI/Teagasc/RDS strategy group and I understand that HSI is pursuing the matter with SJI and that the Executive of SJI will consider changes to their rules next month with a view to such changes being applicable in 2015.

It is not envisaged that a separate database will be set up for horses to which the Deputy refers.