Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Horse Racing Ireland is a commercial State body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry. The appointment of the chief executive officer is a matter for the board of HRI subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. In this instance, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I accepted the case made by the chairman and provided the necessary consents for an appointment by the board.  This was an exception to the guidelines for the appointment of CEOs to State agencies based on the proposition advanced by the chairman that the reappointment of the CEO in this instance was in the best interests of HRI and the sector generally given the significant challenges it faces in the coming years. I have already indicated that it would have been more appropriate for the board to have had a full discussion on the case made by the chairman prior to its submission. I understand that the chairman accepts this. I further understand that the board has issued a statement confirming that the chairman’s actions and intentions reflected its views regarding the CEO’s contract but recognising that a more collegiate approach would have improved the process.  The board's statement also indicated that the best result was achieved for HRI and the industry with the completion of a new contract. I am particularly cognisant of the fact that appointment of a CEO can only be made by the board. This was done.

On the question of funding, the Deputy will be aware of the very significant contribution that the horse racing industry makes to the Irish economy, most particularly in rural areas. Successive Governments have considered it appropriate to support the sector on that basis.  I do not believe that the issues of sequencing around the appointment of the chief executive have a bearing on the funding of this very important sector but as with all such bodies I expect such funding to be carefully managed and fully accounted for in accordance with Government accounting rules.

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