Mr. Brian Kavanagh:

The inquiry referred to by the Senator is going on daily. The IHRB has daily contact with trainers and licence holders. The industry has been greatly focused on this issue since it arose. We had a special HRI board meeting earlier in the year where Mr. Egan and Dr. Hillyer presented. This is not an area where we can be complacent. We have come here to try to answer every question put in front of us. We have come here to try to explain the systems, as the Chair said at the start, and outline what systems are in place and whether they are up to international standards. We have explained that all winners in Ireland are tested. This is approximately 2,500 horses. We have explained that a further number of non-performing horses on the tracker are also tested. We have also explained that 25% of testing is out of competition and away from the racecourse. This includes horses at all times. We have indicated that samples are tested in internationally accredited laboratories. The committee has heard from Dr. Pearce about that laboratory. We have explained that Ireland operates to the highest international standards in this area.

We have endeavoured to answer questions on the six cases raised in the media on which the committee has heard evidence today. We have answered questions about rumours of injunctions. It has been clearly stated there are no injunctions. Dr. Hillyer is available to answer any question the committee has on the Zilpaterol case that was addressed.

The industry is having an inquiry on an ongoing basis. How the IHRB relates with licence holders is a matter for the IHRB. We are determined to get to the bottom of this. All we can do is put forward the facts as we see them and try to answer questions. As long as the committee wants to ask us questions we will endeavour to answer them. The inquiries are current and ongoing. The trainers' association came in today to answer from its perspective. I understand the Department will come before the committee next week. There is great concern in the industry regarding these issues. As I have said, it is important to our international reputation. All we can try to do is present the facts as we see them from our point of view.