Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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697. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that when his Department consented to award an extended five-year contract to a chief executive officer of a commercial State body, who has served for 14 years with that body, the chairman of the board concerned had reportedly not sought the views of the board when he consulted the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; that it is also reported that the board of Horse Racing Ireland was not consulted prior to the submission of the business case to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24190/16]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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745. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that the board of Horse Racing Ireland, HRI, has reported that it was not aware of a business case which was supplied to his Department by the chairman of HRI or that the approval of the board was not sought by the chairman on advice that he received from officials in the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24189/16]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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746. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the involvement of his Department and its officials in the business case of Horse Racing Ireland, recently presented to the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform; the reason for its presentation at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24230/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 697, 745 and 746 together.

Horse Racing Ireland is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.

The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is required to be made by the board of HRI, subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. The preparation of a business case is a matter for HRI, and not for my Department. There is no question of a CEO being appointed without the consent of the board. Proceedings at the board are a matter for HRI.