Results 1,101-1,120 of 2,988 for speaker:James O'Connor

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: School Accommodation (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: I thank the Minister for the information. It is very helpful and beneficial that we know what is going on. I have worked hand-in-hand with the Minister since she became a member of Cabinet with responsibility in this area. However, we acknowledge that in east Cork, and particularly across Cork county, there is rapid population growth. For example, the Fermoy area now has a deficit of...

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: I thank the Cathaoirleach. I concur with what Deputy Murphy said regarding it being unusual that we would not have the chief financial officer with us today. I want to ask a couple of questions in that regard. Is it correct that Mr. O'Loughlin was only informed yesterday that he was not going to be in attendance?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: What was the reason cited for that absence?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Did he give a reason behind the decision to do that?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: I beg to differ because I think Mr. O'Loughlin is. It is not a criminal investigation. Mr. O'Loughlin has taken the decision to do an external review but the IHRB is significantly funded by the taxpayer and I do not think that is an illegitimate question to ask so I am going to ask that question again. Did he give a reason for deciding to take voluntary leave at this time?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Did the individual give a reason for that decision?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Actually, I accept that Mr. O'Loughlin is relatively new in his role. His predecessor was there for quite some time, as we know from what has emerged in regard to the early retirement deal. I am a racing man and I love horseracing and everything about the sport and the community within it. However, I believe the decision to go into this review process is going to cause prolonged damage. I...

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: In regard to the details of Denis Egan's early retirement and voluntary redundancy scheme, the sum was €384,870 and the payment was received in 2021. To my knowledge, that payment was 58% larger, if I am correct, per the Comptroller and Auditor General, than what should have been paid out under the terms of the scheme. Can Mr. O'Loughlin understand why that is grossly unacceptable...

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Really? Does Mr. O'Loughlin think that is acceptable, a payment 58% larger than it was supposed to be?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Okay. That answers that and is satisfactory. Regarding the questions asked by Deputy Catherine Murphy about the early retirement scheme introduced in May 2021, Mr. O'Loughlin said three employees in the organisation successfully applied for it. Is that correct?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: How many were there originally?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Okay. Concerning those accepted, then, am I right in saying three people were successful?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Yes, but I am asking how many people were involved.

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Did that include Mr. Egan?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Okay. In terms of the payments made, are there figures available on this that could be provided to the committee?

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Say that again.

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: If Mr. O'Loughlin wishes to clarify that, it is okay to take a moment. In the interim, while we are waiting for the answer, can I just put it to the witnesses from the Department-----

Public Accounts Committee: Financial Statements 2021: Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (29 Jun 2023)

James O'Connor: Okay. Turning to Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and we have the assistant secretary with us, I just wish to ask about the matter that has arisen that we are not able to discuss because we cannot get the information on it. When was the Department informed of this irregularity? What has happened to try to address it sufficiently?