Written answers

Thursday, 25 February 2021

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Horse Sport Ireland

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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350. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which standard procurement procedures have been applied in the case of the proposed relocation of the centre of excellence of Horse Sport Ireland to a new location; if the normal procurement tests have been applied and incorporated in the process; if best value for money has been proven; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10904/21]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The location of the headquarters of the Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) and its Centre of Excellence is a matter for its Board. A number of sites have been examined as part of a selection process carried out by a sub-committee of the Board.

HSI advises that the work of the sub-committee has been ongoing for two years and has involved the consideration of many different locations. It engaged with a range of potential sites and hired a property valuer and advisor to review property and land offerings as well as availability of property to purchase, rent or develop. The sub-committee examined options not involving state funding.

My Department is examining this matter at present, however, I am advised that the Procurement Directive and the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016, do not apply to contracts for the acquisition or rental, by whatever financial means, of land, existing buildings or other immovable property or any interest in or right over any such land, existing buildings or immovable property.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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351. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the proposal by Horse Sport Ireland to relocate to a centre of excellence further away from the focal points of activity associated with the horse industry in respect of both bloodstock and sport horse genetics as an essential part of the business meets the principals of good value for money and reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10906/21]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is a company limited by guarantee. It is not a State Body established by legislation and it is operationally independent of my Department.

I am advised that a selection process to decide on a site and location for its new Headquarters and Centre of Excellence was carried out by a sub-committee of the Board. I am aware that HSI envisages that the centre will provide a world class environment for the production of horses, provision of equine services, industry training and promotion. HSI has had the objective of having a defined headquarters, national training and breeding centre since its inception.

HSI advises that the work of the sub-committee has been ongoing for two years and has involved the consideration of many different locations. It engaged with a range of potential sites and hired a property valuer and advisor to review property and land offerings as well as availability of property to purchase, rent or develop.

HSI appointed an independent consultant to carry out a detailed feasibility study in this regard, following a competitive request for tender. Informed by this report, it is a decision for the Board of HSI regarding the new site and venue for its Headquarters and Centre of Excellence. I do not consider it appropriate for me to comment on any particular geographical location.

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