IN the wake of questions being raised in the Oireachtas over horse welfare and related statutory compliance among keepers in urban areas, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has published the latest report detailing progress of the Wall Report Action Plan. His report states that 23 of the 31 actions scheduled for completion in 2025 have been delivered, and that the remaining eight actions are on track for completion in 2026.

One of the five key objectives of Professor Wall’s report was to ensure owner accountability through better traceability, and Minister Heydon claims that the foundation for achieving this has been laid through the launch of the Central Equine Database in October 2025.

A press release from the Minister’s department also pointed to the introduction of a new inspection regime, and the funding of IT improvements such as digital marking charts to improve data transfer from Passport Issuing Organisations, as evidence of progress being made in enacting the Wall Report’s key objectives. Another of these objectives involved protecting equine end of life, and recommended that the establishment of a horse slaughter facility, with a level of oversight that gives a very high level of assurance in relation to the welfare of horses, should be facilitated.

To this end, Minister Heydon’s report stated that three notifications of intent to run such a premises have been submitted, and that one of them has passed the initial stage.

It went on to note that the Minister’s department has begun to investigate the possibility of granting state aid to assist with the establishment of a horse slaughter facility, and that it is hoped one will open in 2026.

On the subject of the progress he and his department have made in enacting the objectives of the Wall Report Action Plan, Minister Heydon said: “The scale and speed of progress we have achieved in implementing [it] demonstrates this Government’s clear commitment to the Irish equine sector.

“Delivering 23 actions within a year, including a new central equine database, shows that we are not only listening to the sector, but acting decisively to strengthen it. I want the Irish horse industry to be known for the highest standards of integrity, welfare and accountability. These actions are about building for the future.”