Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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523. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures put in place by his Department and an organisation (details supplied) to ensure that no devices such as one publicised in Australia recently are being used in tracks or horse trainers premises here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5735/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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As from 1 January 2018, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board is the regulatory body for all horse-racing in Ireland. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) is a company limited by guarantee set up by the Turf Club (established 1790) and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee (established 1866) for the purpose of carrying out the regulatory and licensing functions for Irish horse-racing.

This body is responsible for protecting the integrity and reputation of Irish horse-racing in Ireland. The role was previously carried out by the Turf Club and the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee. The role of the IHRB is provided for under the Irish Horse Racing Act 2016 and subsequent Statutory Instruments.

The issue which the deputy has raised is an operational matter for the IHRB. The IHRB have informed me that over 3,000 inspections have been carried out at Trainers’ premises over the last 30 years by its predecessors and itself. During this time they have found no evidence and received no reports that the devices referred to by the Deputy are in use in Ireland.

The IHRB would regard the used of such devices as extremely serious and any Trainer found using such devices will be dealt with accordingly under the Rules of Racing and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules.