Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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1005. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Horse Sport Ireland signed a lease for a centre (details supplied) on 1 March 2021; if proper procedures and protocols have been followed in the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12604/21]

Charlie 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. 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. This report is currently being examined by my Department along with the draft lease. Following this process, it is a decision for the Board of HSI regarding the new site and venue for its Headquarters and Centre of Excellence.