Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Minister of State and the Department to re-enter negotiations to provide for an agreement to reopen Shelbourne Park. We need an answer on the Department's position on Harold's Cross. My understanding is that it is being sold, an agreement almost having been reached for moneys in excess of €20 million.

We have been told consistently by the former chairman of the board that it is worth €4 million to €6 million and that it should not be sold because we would not get value for it.

I would like a straight answer from the Minister of State to my next question because there will be no progress until we know where we stand. I have attended several meetings with groups and individuals and a question I am asked all the time is whether the Minister and the Government are considering sacking the board. Will the board be sacked? Do the Minister and the Government have confidence in it to lead and administer the Irish Greyhound Board? This question needs to be answered. Is there confidence in the board? Will it remain in position? If we had answers to these questions, perhaps we might get down to negotiations on the reopening of Harold's Cross greyhound stadium.

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