Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank members and our witnesses who came here today, namely, Mr. Madden, Mr. Draper, Mr. McCartan and Mr. Corrigan. I particularly want to acknowledge the presence of Lieutenant Colonel Tom Freyne, head of the Irish Army Equitation School. He is very welcome.

I will say at the outset that I have been involved in equestrian sport for many years from pony clubs right up, so I know this area quite well and take a huge interest in it still. A lot of things have been said here. People listening in from the outside to what has been said - I want to draw particular reference to Mr. Corrigan - would think this is a toxic relationship. It is actually a very sad state of affairs for those who are hugely interested in and committed to this sector to be watching this debate. We must remember that the public are watching too and that this is being webcast. Mr. Corrigan is on the record here, as we all are.

I will ask some pertinent questions and play a bit of a devil's advocate because I think it is really important. In terms of the RDS, Mr. Madden has summarised the scenario in two simple pages, and I commend him on that. I have a lot of time for the RDS and the work it does. Of course, we all want to showcase the best of Irish breeding and horses. We all want competition and development in the marketplace of the Irish horse. Mr. Madden set out ten key objectives and I agree with all of them.

I do not have a problem with any of that. I was at the Aga Khan this year and it was great to be there. It is a fantastic organisation and I want the witnesses to convey to the board my, and I am sure everyone else's, delight with the professionalism of the RDS and the way it has advocated and advanced. Reading this, I am not sure if the witnesses are here to do a pitch for the RDS to take the job or replace the work, functions and governance of HSI, but we will come to that in a few moments. There would be natural conflicts if the RDS were to express a view. I will pose a few questions on that possible scenario, which I sense from reading the RDS document that it is pitching for. I might be wrong. As I have the opportunity to question the witnesses, they have the opportunity to correct or rebut me.

The final paragraph of the RDS's opening statement refers to working together for the betterment of our sports and industry. I will start on that basis because that is important. HSI is not here today so is at somewhat of a disadvantage. I have no doubt that in a few days its representatives will take time to read the transcript of these meetings. I want to get some context. HSI is the only approved body for doping testing. The RDS this year at the horse show had, I am advised, some 1,400 to 1,500 horses competing. I know about the international federation's roles, functions and obligations and its responsibility for oversight, governance and testing. There is an international dimension to that element of equestrian sport and there is movement across jurisdictions. The RDS will be familiar with the national classes, but it has no jurisdiction in terms of doping there. It might facilitate and assist HSI, which is the only body approved in the country to do doping tests. Are the witnesses in a position to tell the committee how many HSI doping tests took place in the RDS in August in the show?