Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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1536. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current length of service of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland; if there is regulation concerning the maximum length of service of a CEO in a commercial semi-State body; the number of occasions during the past 15 years the position of CEO of Horse Racing Ireland has been advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25164/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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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 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.

There is no general regulation in relation to the maximum length of service of the CEO of a commercial State Body. Such provisions may be made under the legislation establishing particular bodies. Under the Irish Horseracing Industry Act, 1994 Section 3: The chief executive shall hold office on and subject to such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration) as may be approved of by the Authority with the consent of the Minister and Minister for Finance.

HRI have informed me that the position of Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland was previously advertised in 2009.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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1537. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Horse Racing Ireland regarding succession planning for the position of CEO. [25165/16]

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 question referred to by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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1538. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the board of Horse Racing Ireland has carried out its statutory function having regard to best practice of corporate governance in regard to the reappointment of the CEO of HRI. [25166/16]

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 for Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

In this instance, following the submission of a business case by the Chairman of HRI, the relevant ministerial consents were provided, and I understand that the board decided to reappoint the current CEO.

Under the Code of Corporate Governance the Chairman assures me that Horse Racing Ireland is compliant with the Code.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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1539. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received any correspondence opposing the reappointment of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25168/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that I received representations in relation to the reappointment of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). However, the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the board of HRI subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. In this instance, following the submission of a business case by the Chairman of HRI, the relevant ministerial consents were provided, and I understand that the board decided to reappoint the current CEO.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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1540. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the procedure in place for confidential disclosures within Horse Racing Ireland. [25171/16]

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 matter referred to by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI but they have informed me that there are detailed procedures in place for any employee to raise matters of concern.