Trainers subject to Garda vetting under child-protection laws

Racehorse trainers in Ireland are subject to Garda vetting under new child-protection legislation.

All employers are required to be checked by the National Vetting Bureau if they employ people under the age of 18, and the Turf Club has confirmed it is working with gardaí in relation to the racing industry.

"The legislation requires it. New trainers looking for licences have been vetted since early 2016, and retrospective vetting is also now in place," said the Turf Club's chief executive Denis Egan.

Irish Racehorse Trainers' Association spokesman Michael Grassick said the body had recently become aware of the requirement. "Everyone employing minors, across any walk of life, is subject to it if they employ a minor. You have to be vetted."

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There has been confusion among some trainers in relation to notices to them from the National Vetting Bureau, but the Turf Club insists such communications are routine.

"This is routine in other sports where coaches or managers are involved with minors and vulnerable people. Our sport is a little different in that trainers can employ someone from the age of 14. Jockeys can also be employed when they are minors," said the Turf Club's head of legal and compliance Cliodhna Guy on Friday.

“Communications have been sent to all licensed trainers explaining how this is all just part of a process,” she added.

Statutory basis

The National Vetting Bureau Acts, 2012 to 2016, provide a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons.

The Turf Club regulates Irish racing on a 32-county basis but it appears unclear how precisely the vetting process will work in relation to trainers in the North. However, Ms Guy said: “There is co-operation between the Garda and the Northern Ireland police service in relation to lots of issues, and I’m sure it’s the same in terms of vetting information.”