Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Minister of State that having a veterinary practitioner and accounting expertise on the board is to be welcomed. However, the problem that arose with the Limerick track are historical at this stage and go beyond the terms of the last two boards. I would even say they extend beyond the tenures of the last three boards. I am looking for an inclusive board where all stakeholders within the industry have a voice. That is not an unreasonable request. In the last few weeks and months we have newly appointed board members who have attachments to some of the Bord na gCon tracks. I do not object to that; it is normal. However, it is unfair that the six private tracks are to be left without representation. If they are left without representation the harsh fact is that they will be on the hind tit in terms of the allocation of grants and the allocation of extra meetings.

The private tracks have had a person on the board for as long as I can recall. The terms of the last couple of boards have been very effective. Board members have worked effectively to tackle the historical debt crisis. We are putting this Bill in place now and it is to be welcomed, but it is regrettable that we are leaving the most vulnerable tracks, namely the private tracks, without representation on the board. That is a retrograde step and means that the board will not be as inclusive as it possibly could be. While I welcome the stakeholders' forum, at the end of the day the board will make the decisions, including financial decisions, and I strongly argue that it is a mistake to leave 40% of the tracks without board representation.

The Minister of State mentioned veterinary representation and I fully accept that has to be done. The private tracks have vets on their boards. They also have accountants on their boards. Both things could be mutually compatible. It is a mistake to leave these rural tracks without representation on the board.

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