Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and appreciate he has looked at the report. It would be remiss of me not to refer to the report this committee published. The committee made a number of recommendations in regard to the issues that came to the fore. Those recommendations include the need for transparency in its governance as well as independence and gender balance on the board. Has anything been done in that regard? The report also recommended that, as the IHRB receives public funding to provide for its regulatory role, consideration be given to reclassify the IHRB as a semi-State body under the aegis of the Department. Can the Minister update us on that? Given that public moneys are directed through the HRI for the functioning of the IHRB, what are the Minister's views on this recommendation? Is the Minister amenable to this? When would be start to see some change there?

The public contribution to the sector of €70.4 million for next year is considerable. While those moneys are important for the progression of the sector, the correct spending of public funds is crucial for public confidence in this sector. Can the Minister outline what changes the public can expect to happen in the sector in return for funding that is discussed each year?

On welfare in both sectors, coming from the same constituency as the Cathaoirleach, which is steeped in horse and greyhound racing, I can say welfare is taken very seriously in the industries. They want to maintain the high standards that they already maintain. Looking at the figures, there are 15,200 indirect jobs created by the horse industry and another 4,000 by the greyhound industry. It is a big employer in our area. That does not take away from the organisations we are discussing to which the moneys will go.

Will the Minister outline what specific engagements his Department has had with both sectors ahead of deciding on the level of funding to be issued next year? Has his Department audited all the welfare commitments given by all the organisations and the level to which they have lived up to those commitments?

On the greyhound issue, I wish to raise two small points. Recently, it was reported that further funding will be needed to continue the roll out of the traceability system. How much more money are we talking about? Can the Minister tell us the extent to which the system has been rolled out to date? Has his Department maintained contact with the traceability system on the matter, and what has been learned? Is the roll-out on schedule?