Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will discuss amendments Nos. 1 to 15, inclusive. Amendments Nos. 5 to 13, inclusive, and amendment No. 15 are consequential to other amendments in this group.

When Indecon carried out its review of Bord na gCon in 2014, the organisation had debts of €23 million, largely due to the investment in Limerick stadium. This debt has hindered the development of the industry ever since. That report was critical of the skill set of the board, or lack thereof. While there was an implicit criticism that the lack of skills was a contributing factor in the decision to develop Limerick stadium without proper capital appraisal or cost-benefit analysis, there was explicit criticism of the Limerick development and its governance. Indecon stated: "Based on the analysis and documentation available to Indecon, it is hard to conclude anything other than the fact that there was inadequate appraisal of the Limerick capital investment."

Indecon identified a number of skill gaps in the make-up of the board. Principal among these was the need for a depth of financial expertise, with a requirement for more than one board member to have financial qualifications and senior professional experience. In addition, the board identified the requirement for a senior legal professional, a marketing expert and a veterinary expert. While I am not entirely in favour of singling out one specific skill to be set down in primary legislation, in view of the animal welfare and integrity role of the board I am happy to set down the requirement for veterinary expertise. However, based on past experience, where the board was dominated by industry representatives, I believe it would be wholly inappropriate for the majority of the ordinary members to be made up of industry representatives. I accept Senator Ó Domhnaill's intention not to press his first amendment, but if it was pressed, it should be noted that a board of six with four representatives from the industry would have a 66% representation from industry. A board with eight members would have 50% ordinary members. These amendments totally disregard the recommendations of the Indecon reports, commissioned by the then Minister, the Tánaiste, Deputy Coveney, and I believe they would be a totally retrograde step.

The industry must change its approach to avoid any danger that it will repeat the mistakes of the past. It should also be pointed out that this board is responsible for regulating the industry, unlike Horse Racing Ireland, where the Turf Club carries out the regulatory controls, and will be responsible for drafting regulations to give effect to provisions set out in this Bill. It would, therefore, appear to be wholly inappropriate for 66%, or indeed 50%, of the board to be made up of representatives of those to whom those regulations will apply. I accept, however, that there should be some industry representation on the board. I am, therefore, proposing an amendment to allocate one or more places on the board to persons with detailed industry knowledge, which would allow for some flexibility while maintaining a balance in favour of a skilled board. Owners, trainers and members of the various stakeholder groups have the ability to become members of the board. In the past, they have come through the Public Appointments Service, PAS.