A GROUP of 60-plus breeders from the south east of the country have engaged MEP and former National Hunt jockey Nina Carberry to meet with Horse Sport Ireland, as the problems with getting passports for equines in a timely manner continue.

Joan Douglas, a breeder from Wexford, who was one of the organisers of the meeting, which was facilitated by the Wexford Branch of IDHBA, chaired by Michael Murphy (Wexford) and Nick Murphy (Wicklow), said a range of issues were discussed and sent forward to Carberry, who confirmed she has met with Horse Sport Ireland.

Nina Carberry confirmed she is lobbying in favour of the breeders, telling The Irish Field: “Breeders from across the country have raised concerns with me about the challenges they’re facing with HSI’s new system, which was introduced in July. These issues include delays in passport processing, classification errors, and other administrative problems.

“As someone from the equine industry, I fully understand the frustrations these delays are causing, with the failure of HSI to process ownership changes in a timely manner, directly impacting breeders’ ability to complete sales. I’ve heard reports of delays lasting from months or even over a year.

“I recently met with HSI and made it clear, on multiple occasions, that improvements are urgently needed. I was pleased to hear from some breeders over the past few days that they’ve been looked after and that noticeable progress has been made.

“But above all, I believe it’s crucial that breeders are kept informed about the status of their passport applications. A lack of communication is at the heart of the frustration, and I will continue to press HSI to address this issue,” Carberry concluded.

Douglas said the meeting was supported by breeders, owners, producers, veterinary professionals and stallion owners. The meeting heard that HSI are issuing passports irrespective of whether stallion owners have submitted covering certificates to HSI which, heretofore, was done on payment of covering. HSI have confirmed this is the case.

“This is contrary to an agreement made earlier in the year with the Irish Stallion Owners’ Association,” she said.

Minister’s response

Carol Nolan, TD, asked the Minister for Agriculture to address concerns around the issuing of passports and the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Funding.

In a response on Tuesday, Minister Charlie McConalogue said: “In July 2023, the named company [HSI] introduced a new online passport application platform, which was part-funded from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.

“This investment in e-passports was in recognition of the negative impact of Brexit on the horse sector and will have benefits in terms of improved traceability and equine health.

“It is anticipated that the move to an e-passport system will make processing of applications more efficient. However, in the initial period, there have been administrative challenges that have caused delays, including the continued processing of applications using the former paper-based system and operation of the new on-line system.

“While the processing of equine passport applications is, in the first instance, an operational matter for the named company [HSI], officials from my Department are in regular contact with the named company and recently met with them to stress the importance of the timely issue of equine passports.

“The named company has assured my Department that it is committed to getting passports out as quickly as possible and has taken several steps to improve service delivery, including: staff working additional hours, including weekends to clear the backlog, and the employment of priority case management, where passports are required urgently.

“Recent status reports provided to my Department indicate that the backlog is reducing, and officials from my Department will continue to actively monitor progress in the coming weeks.”