ON a day when his parents were inducted into the Irish Equine Centre [IEC] Hall of Fame, Stephen Collins of Derrinstown Stud made a very clear case as to why the IEC is vital to the health of the entire equine sector and why it deserves and needs more financial support.

“The IEC was established 40 years ago by my late father, Sean Collins, and other senior industry leaders to provide essential diagnostic, disease surveillance and research services to the Irish equine industry,” he said.

“It is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and the only equine laboratory diagnostic service available in Ireland 365 days a year. The Equine Centre is the insurance policy for the health of the equine industry. It ensures Ireland’s low-disease status and protects the economic interest of all industry participants.

“In the absence of the IEC, no other entity can or will provide that support.”

Proven its worth

After reminding guests about the international success of Irish-bred horses and the economic impact of the sector, Collins said: “The IEC has repeatedly proven its worth in the manner it has responded to various disease crises, such as the EVA outbreak in 2003, EIA in 2006, and piroplasmosis in 2010.”

Collins explained that the IEC is part-financed by the Foal Levy, Horse Racing Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, which means it has extra responsibilities to capacity to undertake pro bono testing, vital disease research and educational events, all of which benefit the equine industry.

“The margins are very tight,” he said. “And bearing in mind how important the IEC and the Department are for the continued free movement of animals and international trade, it is vital that the IEC is consistently and appropriately funded, to be in a position to carry out these vital services.”

He said that an equivalent equine laboratory in France receives €10 million annually from the French government. “Badly needed additional funding would put us on a much sounder financial footing, enabling us to invest in new laboratory equipment, and retain and support our superb scientists, and, very importantly, to upgrade out facilities, some of which are now 40 years old.”

Financial issues

Collins continued: “One has only to look at the demise and closure of the world-renowned Animal Health Trust in the UK – a similar operation to the IEC – and the serious financial issues that the Racing Academy and Centre of Education are facing.

“If were to lose this centre of excellence due to underfunding, lack of empathy and lack of resources, it would be disastrous for the racing and bloodstock industry and ultimately for the Exchequer.”

He concluded by saying the proposed Gambling Regulation Bill could also affect the Equine Centre, as the loss of live racing pictures would lead to fewer racehorse owners and therefore a drop in samples sent to the IEC for testing.

Climate change

IEC chairman John Malone remarked: “On a day like this it is right that we look to our history and our past. At the same time, we must look to the future and meet the emerging challenges.

Climate change and environmental considerations have come to the fore, they are impacting and will continue to impact on the sector and the Equine Centre must play a part.”

Martin Heydon, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, said: “Coming from Kildare, serving as a TD here and as a Government Minister I have seen first-hand the important role the Irish Equine Centre has played in maintaining and protecting the health and reputation of our bloodstock industry.

“It is a testament to its founders who had the vision to establish this indigenous lab service and to all those who have contributed to its success since. I am delighted to be able to join with them for this celebration.

“The IEC has since been the watchful eye over the horse racing and breeding industries in the last 40 years as an award-winning laboratory with animal dialogistic and research facilities that meet the highest standards and are available year-round and I wish them continued success into the future.”

Irish Equine Centre Hall Of Fame

The following were inducted into the IEC Hall of Fame for their dedication and unstinting support.