Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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219. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the circumstances surrounding the early departure of the CEO of the Irish Greyhound Board in December 2016; the contractual commitments the board is required to meet; the circumstances surrounding the appointment of an interim CEO; the process that was put in place; the duration of this appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8934/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon (BnG) 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.

The matter raised by the Deputy regarding the circumstances surrounding the early departure of the CEO is an operational matter for Bord na gCon. However I am assured that the arrangements surrounding the departure were in accordance with Bord na gCon's contractual obligations and in accordance with its own legal advice.

Regarding the employment of the new CEO, I also understand that Bord na gCon is at present making arrangements for an open competition for the recruitment of a CEO. The consent of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will be required for any such appointment.

In the meantime BnG has informed me that it has engaged in a process with the purpose of carrying out the duties of the CEO in an interim capacity. In selecting an interim CEO, the requirement for a proven record in company restructuring and change management skills were criteria used in that selection. I understand that a number of people were interviewed and that the successful candidate was offered a six month fixed term contract.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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220. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the Irish Greyhound Board will advertise for a new CEO; the procedure that will be used to fill the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8935/17]

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.

Bord na gCon has informed me that they posted an e-tender to secure the services of an executive search and selection company to advise it on the appointment of a new CEO. Once the executive search and selection company has been appointed the position will be advertised, interviews held and the appointment of a new CEO will be made, subject to the approval of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.