Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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521. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has satisfied himself that all State body guidelines were fulfilled and full transparency observed in all aspects of the reappointment of Horse Racing Ireland's CEO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28304/16]

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.

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 appointment by the Board.  This was an exception to the Guidelines for the appointment of CEO's for State Agencies, based on the proposition that the reappointment of the CEO in this instance was in the best interests of HRI and the sector generally, given the significant challenges it faced in the coming years. 

I have already indicated that it would have been more appropriate for the board to have had a full discussion on the case made by the chairman prior to its submission. I understand that the chairman accepts this.  I further understand that the board has issued a statement confirming that the chairman’s actions and intentions reflected its views regarding the CEO’s contract, but recognising that a more collegiate approach would have improved the process.  

I understand the Board approved the appointment on 21^stJuly for a period of five years.