Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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1686. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of thoroughbred horses that have been subjected to wind surgeries in Ireland over the past five years (details supplied); and if he will consider banning these highly invasive and unethical operations, given that their sole purpose is to maximise air flow into a horse's lungs to improve performance and increase chances of winning more prize money. [18881/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not hold records of the number of thoroughbred horses that have been subjected to wind surgeries in Ireland.

My Department takes the matter of animal welfare most seriously.

It should be noted that wind surgeries are carried out by qualified Veterinary Practitioners who are regulated by the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, which comes under the remit of the Veterinary Council of Ireland.

Wind surgeries are performed when deemed clinically justified by any such veterinary surgeon, which may include for reasons of animal health and welfare.

My Department currently has no plans to introduce legislation to ban wind surgeries.