Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2021
350. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the reports made in relation to the horse racing industry by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35046/21]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001 is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
Section 39 Irish Horseracing Industry Act 1994, (as amended) provides for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) to be responsible for “making and enforcing the Rules of Racing”, including “making all decisions relating to doping control, forensics and handicapping in respect of horse racing”.
Funding for these services is provided by HRI on the basis of an agreed annual budget.
Both HRI and the IHRB have informed the Department that the drug testing systems in Irish racing are thorough and are similar to those which apply in other major racing countries.
I am aware of the comments made by the person named in relation to integrity issues in Irish horse racing. I understand the person named has been invited to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture Food and Marine to express his views on this issue in the near future.
