Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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330. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hearings of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board that have resulted in an investigation of a trainer by his Department and have resulted in a prosecution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35012/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Horse Racing Ireland Act 2016 which amends the relevant part of the Irish Horse racing Industry Act 1994 provides for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) to be responsible for “making and enforcing the Rules of Racing”. On this basis, the IHRB holds hearings to enforce the rules of racing. Such hearings of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) have not resulted in the investigation and prosecution of a trainer by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

In practice, when IHRB officials suspect offences relevant to the Department, these may be discussed with the relevant Departmental officials and any investigations required would be likely to have commenced in advance of any related IHRB hearing.