Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 16 February 2017

Public Accounts Committee

2015 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 30 - Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Chapter 7 - EU Refunds and Levies in the Agriculture Sector

9:00 am

Photo of Peter BurkePeter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not good enough to say that. The figures are incredible. In 2007, Bord na gCon had a turnover of €63.5 million. That has decreased to less than €30 million, or a 56% reduction. Prize money has reduced significantly in the sector. Owners and breeders have been giving more than ever before. The State is increasing the amount of subvention to the sector, yet we do not seem to have a handle on the basic issue of wages. According to Bord na gCon's accounts, it had an average staff of 183 in 2014. That has increased dramatically. It is now suggesting that it sell off regional tracks. That has been mooted in the media. Harold's Cross has made a declaration and there is a board meeting on the matter this week. I understand that "Prime Time" is due to investigate this issue next week. Were I Mr. O'Driscoll, I would get my facts and figures correct. Will he assure me that the Department will conduct a detailed analysis of wages in the headquarters in Limerick? The increases seem colossal.

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