I propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 together.
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. The Racing Regulatory Body (Irish Turf Club) is a private body charged under legislation with responsibility for the integrity and the reputation of Irish racing in Ireland and Internationally.
The questions raised by the Deputy are an operational matter for the Turf Club.
The Turf Club has assured me that attention to horse welfare is threaded throughout its Rules and processes. Rules were changed in July 2013 to now make the trainer responsible for everything connected with the welfare, training and running of all horses under the care of that trainer.