Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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391. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the fate of all thoroughbred horses that have been sold to China; and if he is concerned about the announcement that racing is to cease in Macau in April (details supplied). [9001/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The sale and the export of horses is a private commercial activity. The data that the deputy seeks is not a matter that falls within the scope of my Department.

The export of animals is highly regulated by both European and Irish legislation with regard their health, welfare and welfare during transport and subject to control and certification by Department veterinary staff.

Whilst I am aware of the reported closure of racing in Macau, it is not something that is of strategic interest to the equine sector in Ireland.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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392. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine given the criticisms raised about animal welfare in China, what procedures his Department has taken to ensure the safety of thoroughbred horses, particularly in the context of the announcement that racing is to cease in Macau in April (details supplied). [9002/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The export of animals is regulated by both European and Irish legislation. The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine facilitates the lawful export of horses, while ensuring that their transport is carried out in compliance with legislative welfare standards.

To be exported from Ireland to China, horses must be clinically examined by a vet and go through repeated health tests and screenings in a government approved quarantine centre before being declared fit to travel. They will then travel with a government veterinary health certificate.

International trade in thoroughbred horses is highly valued by Irish equine industry. The sale of horses is a private commercial activity. The closure of a racecourse is a matter for the authorities in that jurisdiction.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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393. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a detailed breakdown of all Irish horses exported to China, Hong Kong and Korea, by year (details supplied). [9003/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The table below outlines the numbers of horses exported from Ireland to China, Hong Kong and South Korea by year.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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394. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1284 of 17 January 2024, received from HRI if he will instruct HRI to provide a breakdown of the ages of the horses sent to slaughter. [9004/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The information the Deputy has requested in the relation to the age profile of thoroughbred horses slaughtered at facilities approved by my Department in 2023 is detailed in the table below.

Thoroughbreds sent to slaughter in 2023