Mr. Brian Kavanagh:

That would not arise. The court case recently heard that the racing regulatory body only has power to regulate or investigate parties that it licenses, such as trainers, jockeys and riders. If there was an issue with a board or staff member in Horse Racing Ireland, it would be dealt with through normal compliance or governance processes in the State body. There is an internal audit function, an audit committee and ministerial appointees on the board. The representative nature of the board would be relevant.

The racing regulatory body does not regulate Horse Racing Ireland but rather the parties it licenses. It derives power to regulate parties by somebody seeking a licence to ride, race or train horses. The parties are indicating a willingness to submit to rules. There may be concerns about activities undertaken by Horse Racing Ireland.

That is, ultimately, a matter for the normal governance structures of a State body, through its board, audit functions and relationship with its governing Department.