Horseracing in Ireland discussed by Agriculture Committee

The Committee will meet at 9:30 am tomorrow with representatives from Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board. The meeting will be broadcast from Committee Room 2 of Leinster House.

Speaking in advance of the meetings, Cathaoirleach, Jackie Cahill TD, said: “The Committee agreed to a series of meetings in light of the concerning commentary around the integrity of the horseracing industry in Ireland. The Committee took the opportunity to invite the relevant individuals, bodies, and organisations in to discuss the relevant policies and procedures in place and give them the time and place to debate the issues and highlight their own concerns.

The Committee also welcomes the opportunity to discuss the industry in general and to raise broader policy concerns about horseracing in Ireland with Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.

The Cathaoirleach added: “Any question around the integrity of the sport could be extremely damaging and could be detrimental to breeders, jockeys, owners, and trainers who 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.