Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

First, I welcome the team from Horse Sport Ireland and the horse sports industry. As the topic on our agenda that was circulated to members was that we were dealing with the challenges facing Sports Ireland and the industry and as it is a resumed topic, the witnesses have been here previously. I am always conscious that these sessions are seen because people always look in and these meetings are broadcast so I am very conscious of that. I know from emails I have received that many people will be watching the meeting tonight so it is always important to keep that focus on the questions but also the responses.

I do not suggest the witnesses do it today but will they send the committee a memo about the nominee for Northern Ireland and the background and impediment as to why that cannot be currently filled? Mr. Dowling suggested he would come up with some proposals. It is important, in that Northern Ireland has a strong tradition of equestrian sports across all of that fields and it is right that we should have a nominee from there. That is a given. I have had correspondence on this with the Minister over the past two weeks because I followed it up with him and it is a good issue. That is certainly looking like one board member being filled in that jurisdiction, or coming from there. Of course the other important thing is the skill sets. We have been filling boards up and I have served on a number of boards but we need skill sets. People have to have sets of skills they will bring to the table. If we need governance or finance, there is a whole gamut and range of skills and that has to be a precursor for nominees of any boards. I take on board the issue of gender balance and that is also a consideration. That is a request of Government and the policies around that are important. Will the witnesses agree to send a briefing note on that to the committee in order that we have a greater understanding of the issues, if that is possible? Does that meet with their approval?