Equine Imports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014

Wednesday, 30 April 2014

Ceisteanna (642)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

642. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to rule number 3.5.2 of the Show Jumping Ireland rule book and a newspaper article (details supplied); his views on the issues raised; the action he will take; if he will establish a database of such sport horses that have been imported; if he will introduce regulation of the importation and classification of sport horses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19410/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware of the position whereby a horse that is imported into Ireland may, upon registration with Showjumping Ireland (SJI), be allocated a number of showjumping points in a situation where relevant supporting performance documentation is not provided by the owner. Showjumping Ireland is an independent sporting organisation and does not come under the remit of my Department. SJI is however an affiliate organisation of Horse Sport Ireland (HSI), the governing body for equestrian sport in Ireland.

The issue to which the Deputy refers was highlighted at a recent public consultation meeting of the HSI/Teagasc/RDS strategy group and I understand that HSI is pursuing the matter with SJI.

It is not envisaged that a separate database will be set up for horses to which the Deputy refers.