Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Nobody likes to see somebody chasing a cause for a long time and not being able to get adequate answers. I am sure he is a genuine person but the appropriate line of investigation here, if the Deputy wants to call it that, and this is my understanding having asked for legal advice on it, is through the Garda. I am not sure whether he has gone down that road but to be fair to Horse Racing Ireland and the Turf Club, they have limited powers and roles as well.

On the issue of equine welfare in Ireland generally, we have done a good deal in working with the Equine Centre in the past year to get a handle on the number of abandoned horses in Ireland. We have also done a good deal of work on the identification and the traceability of horses in terms of microchipping and the provision of passports. There is a good deal happening in this area. Ultimately, the Animal Health and Welfare Bill is the place to deal with this debate from a legislative point of view.

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