Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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287. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of horses at race meetings in periods of high temperatures; if his attention has been drawn to welfare incidents related to heat stress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29717/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Horse Racing Ireland is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.

Horse Racing Ireland inform me that the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board have been working with relevant racecourse management, blue cross, trainers and their staff to ensure that the effects of the current warm weather on horses are managed. There are measures in place to monitor the situation and to act if heat stress is a possibility. While heat stress can occur at any time the authorities are being particularly vigilant during this warm spell. Proper provision of water by the racecourse, veterinary supervision from arrival and the knowledge and experience of stable staff and trainers all contribute to reducing the risk of an issue occurring.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board have confirmed that there has been no increase in the number of horses treated for 'heat stress' during the current warm weather.