Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I wish to refer to two recent reports on the horse racing industry. The first is the annual report of Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, which is a pleasure to read and highlights the contribution horse racing is making to the economy. It also underlines the wonderful image horse racing presents and the fact that it is a major tourist attraction. It also highlights how Irish horses and thoroughbreds have been sweeping the boards in the various classic races in recent years, a matter on which I will not go into great detail. There is, however, a downside which is presented in the second report to which I refer and which was the subject of an article by Sean McConnell in The Irish Times last week. The report highlights animal abuse, particularly of horses which have finished their racing careers. In the light of the downturn in the economy, many owners and syndicates can no longer afford to keep horses in training. There is anecdotal evidence that horses are being removed from training stables, that they are malnourished and not properly cared for and are either wandering the roads or being left to starve in fields. This is shameful. Horses have always been central to the racing industry. However, the contents of the report to which I refer appear to contradict the image of Ireland as a country in which horses are loved. We must take action in this matter because Ireland is a country in which horses are loved. I ask the Leader to raise the matter with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in order to ensure horses whose services are no longer required will be either disposed of humanely or treated in a proper fashion.