Agriculture Committee holds series of meetings on horseracing industry

The Committee will meet as follows:

• Session 1
  • Thursday 8th July – (9:30 am to 11:30 am) – Representatives of Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board
• Session 2
  • Tuesday 13th July – (3:30 pm to 4:30 pm) – Representatives of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association
• Session 3
  • Tuesday 13th July – (4:30 pm to 5:30 pm) – Representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Speaking in advance of the meetings, Cathaoirleach, Jackie Cahill TD, said: “The Committee has agreed to a series of meetings to discuss the concerning commentary around the integrity of the horseracing industry in Ireland and possible drug use in the sport. We have taken the opportunity to invite the relevant individuals, bodies and organisations in to discuss the recent, very concerning, commentary on the matter and giving them the time and place to debate the issues and highlight their own concerns.

The Cathaoirleach added: “We are global leaders in the horseracing industry, and any question around its integrity or the possibility of drug use could be extremely damaging. Breeders, jockeys, owners, and trainers are dependent on the viability of the sport in Ireland and the good name of the industry around the world. The Committee hopes that these meetings will bring clarity to the situation.

The Committee looks forward to an enlightening debate over the coming weeks.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

More information can be found on the dedicated Committee Webpage. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.