Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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1484. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland is employed on a contract of Indefinite duration; and if so, the financial implications of this for the Exchequer. [25167/16]

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. Both the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform have given sanction on an exceptional basis for the re-appointment of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland on the basis of a written contract limited to a maximum period of 5 years.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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1485. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that the business case presented to his Department by the chairman of Horse Racing Ireland in support of the reappointment of the CEO was approved by the board of HRI prior to his sanctioning a five-year extension of the CEO’s contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25169/16]

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, subject to the consent of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Chairman of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) made a case for an exceptional extension to the term of appointment of the CEO, based on a number of business imperatives.

The necessary Ministerial consents were provided based on the case made and I understand the Board subsequently approved the appointment on 21 July for a period of five years.