Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1478. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a five-year contract extension of the current CEO of Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24333/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) 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 a matter for the board of HRI, subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. I understand that the Board has decided to reappoint the current CEO for a period of five years, and the necessary Ministerial consents have been provided.

A copy of the signed contract is to be forwarded to this Department prior to the CEO taking up his appointment.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1479. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the current guidelines on extending contracts states a CEO shall be appointed for not more than a single seven-year term; his views on the matter particularly on the way in which it relates to Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24336/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The current guidelines on contracts for the CEO’s of State Bodies provide for a seven year period of appointment.

In the case of Horse Racing Ireland the Chairman of HRI made a case for an exceptional extension to the term of appointment of the CEO, based on a number of business imperatives. The appointment of the CEO is a matter for the Board of HRI under the relevant legislation. However, the consent of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is required.

In this instance both I and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform accepted the case made by the Chairman and provided the necessary consents for an exceptional appointment by the Board.