Horse Racing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 June 2023

Wednesday, 14 June 2023

Questions (126)

Paul Murphy

Question:

126. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horses injured and killed at the 2023 Punchestown horse racing festival; the nature of the injuries; how many horses had their final race at the festival and were later killed elsewhere; and if consideration will be given to ending State funding to Horse Racing Ireland in view of the growing number of horse deaths at tracks around Ireland. [28708/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.

The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.