David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Let us park the disagreement the board has with the programme itself. Mr. Dollard has said that the board has made a complaint, and that is fine. As CEO, what assurances can he now give to the public that the changes needed to ensure that the industry operates on a more sustainable basis, that animal welfare issues are addressed, and that there will be much more concentration on the sport itself and not on breeding will be made? Can he assure the public that the board cannot just restore the reputation of the industry but also deal with the challenges that I referred to at the beginning in terms of operating on a more sustainable footing? What assurances can he give to the public that those changes are happening?

I accept that there is an increased level of competency on the board and I do see some changes which are for the better. I am not an expert in this area but I have gone to racing tracks. There is one in Waterford, which is in my constituency. A lot of people I know are working or are active in the sport and I value that because they value it. However, when it comes to taxpayers' money, we have to make sure that we are getting bang for our buck and that the changes that are necessary are being brought about. I ask Mr. Dollard to respond quickly if he can. What would he say to the public who watched the aforementioned television programme or who have been following the proceedings of this committee? Some of our previous meetings with Bord na gCon were very shambolic and when we left this room we could not say that the industry was in safe hands and that the right decisions were being made. How can Mr. Dollard persuade me that the necessary changes are happening?