Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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We have a vote coming and we have the other two bodies here. I understand and we have seen from the Committee of Public Accounts that the other two bodies probably do not have that much of regulatory or enforcement input in respect of what happened. However, they do have a major responsibility with regard to passports. Horse Sport Ireland will know that this has been a hobby horse of mine - excuse the pun - for the lifetime of this Government. I have said it to the officials from the Department and to the Minister and all have been dismissive. We should not have this situation with horse passports. My advice to Horse Sport Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland is that they should not come back to this committee unless they have addressed the issue of passports. In 2021 Horse Racing Ireland introduced the first e-passport for horses in Europe and, three years, later we are in the first phase of a central traceability. That needs to be addressed.

I have specific questions for Horse Sport Ireland. In 2023, 75% of foals were sold with no passports.