Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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1778. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to strengthen equine identification and traceability systems, including the enforcement of microchipping regulations, in order to improve animal welfare, prevent fraud and ensure compliance with EU standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46118/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Traceability is essential to the protection of horses. Gaps in traceability allow for neglect and mistreatment without accountability.

My Department has worked hard in recent years to drive compliance with equine traceability requirements by continually updating operating procedures. In 2024 a new requirement was introduced for operators to provide proof of their equines’ registration on the central equine database in order to receive export certification. This resulted in an immediate doubling of ownership registration of thoroughbreds in the last 3 months of that year.

Building on incremental changes like this, I am committed to implementing a new equine traceability system which will ensure our horses’ health and welfare are protected throughout their lives. 

Professor Patrick Wall was commissioned by my Department to carry out a root and branch review of our equine traceability system and his report was published in March of this year. I published a plan translating the reforms proposed by Professor Wall into 38 actions to improve equine welfare through better traceability. 

The actions set out in the action plan span improvements across 5 broad objectives:

1. Ensure owner accountability through better traceability
2. Stricter enforcement of equine identification and registration legislation
3. Highest level of protection for horses at end of life
4. Maximising the benefits of scientific and technology innovation
5. Strong communication and influence

The progress in improving the equine traceability system has been achieved thanks to the positive cooperation of all in the equine sector and I look forward to further progress and reform.

Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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1779. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has undertaken or plans to undertake a review of the current legislation relating to carriage horses, with a view to ensuring that the highest standards of animal welfare, safety and regulation are being applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46119/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The current legislation in operation regarding horse-drawn carriages for hire or reward in Dublin City is the Dublin Carriages Act 1853-1855. Queries in relation to issues regarding updating the legislation should be referred to The Department of Transport. 

The drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to prioritise equine welfare and to build on existing inspectorate supports across the country, ensuring a consistent approach to dealing with horse welfare.  In this regard, my Department and authorised officers appointed under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, including An Garda Síochána, Customs agents, local authorities, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), undertake appropriate enforcement action, where breaches or shortcomings are identified.  

My Department  also operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation.  The dedicated email address and helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are: 

Helpline Phone No:  01 607 2379.   

Email address - animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie