Horse Racing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024

Wednesday, 8 May 2024

Ceisteanna (413)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

413. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 168 of 6 March 2024, and 1052 of 20 March 2024, if he will confirm the nature and terms of an exit agreement entered into by Horse Sport Ireland in January 2022 with a named individual (details supplied); confirm if his Department paid the costs of such an exit agreement; to provide the full costs of such exit agreement, referred to as “goodbye money”; provide the breakdown of any associated other costs to conclude the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20666/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Operational matters are determined by the Board and the CEO of the named organisation. I am informed by the named organisation that during 2021 and up to January 2022, a Human Resources matter was under active management by the then Board of the named organisation. I am further advised that the matter was brought to a resolution in January 2022 at a total cost of €455,154.

I am advised by the named organisation that the then Board approved the settlement that included payments to the former employee including a termination payment, payment in lieu of notice, outstanding annual leave, and a 12-month restrictive clause that expired in March 2023. This element collectively totalled €256,114. The settlement also included payment of employee legal costs of €55,350 and €143,690 of legal and professional fees incurred by the employing organisation.

The cost was borne by my Department within the original budgetary provision made available to the named organisation.