Mr. Brendan Gleeson:

We have already talked about the functions of the board. Head 12 provides more details about the functions of the chief executive. It is intended to provide a basis for some distinction between the functions appropriate to the board, which I have already mentioned include policy, leadership, oversight and direction, and the day-to-day executive functions that should be delegated to a chief executive officer. The provision was recommended by Indecon. It is arguable that the provision is unnecessary because it should form part of the normal governance arrangements in organisations. We have specifically inserted a provision in order to make a distinction between the functions of the CEO and the board.

Head 13 adjusts the penalties for offences to bring them into line with modern legislation. Section 1 refers to a person who operates a greyhound racing trace without a licence. Section 2 stipulates that such a person will now be subject to a class A fine, which means a sum of up to €5,000 under the Fines Act. I am not sure exactly what the provision has been up to now but I know that it was substantially lower. Section 2 also stipulates that the fine will be increased, on conviction on indictment, to a fine of up to €250,000. Again, that is standard fare in terms of the modern law for offences. The provision is not unusual.