Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in Horse Racing Ireland the integrity services are retained by the Turf Club; his views on a similar role for the Equestrian Federation which has preserved and protected the integrity of Ireland's equestrian sport since its foundation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40887/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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On 20th November 2006, following consultation with my colleague, Ms Mary Coughlan TD, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, I announced the establishment of a new Agency, Horse Sport Ireland, which will act as the Governing Body for the Irish sport horse industry and represent the industry and sport internationally.

Horse Sport Ireland will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies for the development and promotion of an internationally competitive Irish sport horse industry for the breeding, sport and leisure sides, including quality improvement, education and training, market development, welfare and high performance — and based as far as possible on Irish bred horses.

During 2007 responsibility for the integrity services for equestrian sports will pass from the Equestrian Federation of Ireland to Horse Sport Ireland as the governing body for equestrian sport in consultation with the Irish Sports Council which has the statutory responsibility for the implementation of an anti-doping in sport programme.

I am confident that Horse Sport Ireland will significantly strengthen the horse sport sector, bringing a new common purpose to future development and lead to greater organisational efficiencies which will ultimately enhance Ireland's high standing in sport.