PRESSURE from the public and politicians continues to mount on Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) over delays with the issuing of passports. This week, Carol Nolan TD, said she would be contacting the body, after being approached by a number of frustrated breeders in her Laois/Offaly constituency about “unacceptable delays in the processing of foal passports”.
“It is my understanding that HSI received €600,000 in Brexit funding [Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund] to administer and process foal passports, but that there are still unacceptable delays,” she posted.
“I will be engaging with HSI and will outline the situation to them, as well as pointing out to them that at a recent foal sale two weeks ago, 88 foals were presented for sale, but [allegedly] only 16 had passports. I will also keep the breeders updated.”
Wexford TD Johnny Mythen also brought the matter to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD via a written parlimentary question.
He asked: “If the delays by HSI in issuing passports can be investigated, as this issue has lingered on for years, and unacceptable delays are causing widespread disruption regarding sales and ownership and placing the breeding industry in jeopardy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
Minister McConalogue responded similarly to previous questions in saying his department have met with HSI “to stress the importance of prompt identification of equines, the need for swift turnaround times in the issuing of identification documents and for HSI to keep their customers up to date on the status of their passport applications. I am continuing to monitor this matter closely.”
Petition
In a separate action, a group of Irish breeders have begun a change.org petition (change.org/Hsipassportproblem) regarding the ongoing issue. The petition had almost 600 signatures at time of print. The petition asks: ‘Do you agree that HSI is not fit for purpose and should not retain the stud book license?’.
In addition to the petition, the breeders sent a letter to Minister McConalogue, outlining that the sector directly supports 14,000 full-time jobs, involves 47,000 active participants and that there are on average 4,000 to 5,000 sport horse foals born each year.
“The inability to get foal passports in Ireland could have serious repercussions for the sport horse industry, affecting both jobs and financial outcomes,” the letter read.
“Foal passports are essential for the legal sale, movement and registration of horses. Without them, the industry would face significant disruptions, leading to various negative consequences.
“The Irish government should prioritise resolving any delays or issues in issuing foal passports to avoid serious economic, legal and reputational consequences. Failure to act could destabilise the sport horse industry, leading to job losses, revenue declines, legal penalties, and damage to Ireland’s standing in the international equine sector. Addressing this issue is vital for maintaining industry stability, rural employment, and compliance with EU regulations,” the letter concluded.