Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his questions. I acknowledge this is in one of the submissions that he has made as part of his report on traceability, and it is certainly something I will reflect on further. HRI is working with Weatherbys Ireland and the IHRB to develop a comprehensive thoroughbred database to improve traceability via improved Weatherbys' e-passport functionality, and that work is ongoing. I will certainly reflect on the submissions made by the committee and the suggestions that the Deputy has made.

I have dealt with the insurance issue and it is something I have engaged with the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, on as well. I have spoken to a number of people in the sector about it and they say HRI is engaging with stakeholders on the issue as well to explore potential solutions.

On TAMS, it is an issue that has been raised with me over a period of time and I have asked our TAMS section to reflect on it. I will engage with them further to assess the merits of extending the scheme. TAMS is not available currently for most facilities and types of investment in the equine sector. However, as I said, it is something that has been raised with me and that I will assess further.