Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 12, between lines 24 and 25, to insert the following:

"(a) one or more shall be a representative of authorised private greyhound tracks,".

At the outset, I want to declare that I am a director of one of the six private tracks. The board has scarce resources. It is important that during discussions on allocations for Sports International Services, SIS, meetings and grants the six private tracks have a voice at the table. For the last three terms, there has been a representative of the private tracks on the board. This has worked well for the six private tracks which always feel they are on the hind tit as regards the allocation of funding from the board. To ensure fairness, they must be represented on the board. They believe that it ensures the executive of the board looks on them more favourably. These private tracks are spread throughout rural Ireland. It is essential they are represented on the board. Under this Bill, the membership of the board is increasing in size from six to eight. It is reasonable to request that one of those members would be a representative of the private tracks. The amendment is reasonable and fair and, if accepted, will ensure there is a level playing field for all tracks in the country during discussions on the allocation of resources, including SIS meeting allocations and grant payments. It is only right and proper that all tracks would have an equal voice at the table.

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