Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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222. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the efforts being taken to address the issue of illegal sulky racing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28135/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The use of sulkies or any other horse drawn vehicles on the roads is a legitimate activity provided it is done in a safe manner giving due care and consideration to other road users and the animal's well being. However, illegal racing activities taking place on roads, involving any type of vehicle, is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport.

My Department's interaction with the sulky issue is focussed on animal welfare. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a robust and wide ranging protection for all animals. This includes horses and ponies used in road racing.

The issue of regulating the use of sulkies has been examined by my Department and the issues are complex and not always clear cut, particularly as there are a variety of horse drawn vehicles legitimately and safely used on Irish roads.

Therefore the approach being taken by my Department is to raise the awareness of the importance of good horse welfare amongst sulky participants and the owners and keepers of trotting horses.  My Department has recently awarded a tender to operate an education program, that has been designed specifically for sulky drivers and trotter horse owners, in a number of locations around the country. This course will encourage participants to move away from the road racing practices to racing on tracks and to engage with the regulated sport of harness racing on tracks as operated by the Irish Harness Racing Association. 

The course provider has a clear understanding of the cultural sensitivities surrounding participation in road-racing. Meeting these goals will be underpinned by the relevant experience of both the course provider and the team of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses that will be delivering the course.

The first round of the course which was undertaken in North Dublin proved very popular with participants.  The next round will be run in north Cork in the coming weeks and in the midlands after that.