Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Greyhound Racing Industry: Discussion

2:00 pm

Photo of Pat DeeringPat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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There are a number of questions to be answered. With regard to asset disposal, we have heard much about Harold's Cross but I have not heard anybody refer to trying to eliminate the serious debt of €22.4 million, which is a substantial amount. I am at a loss to know why no one has come up with an alternative way to find funding or a suggestion as to how this issue will be resolved. Harold's Cross has been the main item put on the table with regard to how the issue is to be resolved and nobody has come up with anything else. What is the position with regard to Harold's Cross? Is there a process in place for the sale and what arrangements are there to move on that? The debt issue is serious and it needs to be resolved sooner rather than later. Obviously, it cannot be allowed to drag on indefinitely. Is there a timescale for the sale of Harold's Cross and has the decision definitely been taken to sell the stadium?

Looking at this matter from the outside, it appears that many of the issues are legacy issues which have been in existence for a number of years. They were not dealt with and are now coming back to haunt us. Allegations have been made by previous contributors with regard to drugs.

Without going into detail, will the chairman or the chief executive respond to those particular allegations? The Morris report was mentioned. When will it be made public? If that report contains recommendations, will the Irish Greyhound Board accept them? Will a timescale be put in place for those recommendations to be implemented?