Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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267. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address issues with regard to the CEO of Bord na gCon and the closure of Shelbourne Park on 4 February 2017 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7898/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established in 1958, under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Regarding the employment of the new CEO, Bord na gCon has informed me that the Board engaged in a recruitment process with the purpose of filling the vacancy in an interim capacity only. In selecting an interim CEO the requirement for a proven record in company restructuring and change management skills were criteria used in that selection. The successful candidate was offered a six month fixed term contract and I understand that arrangements will shortly be underway for the recruitment of a CEO on a more permanent basis.

I am satisfied that the Chairman and Board of Bord na gCon continue to discharge their functions and that against the background of a difficult operating environment over the past number of years, they are taking positive steps to address the issues identified in the Indecon Report, including those in relation to finance, governance and integrity services. 

The matter of the closure of Shelbourne Park on a number of dates referred to by the Deputy is an operational matter for Bord na gCon.