asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will arrange for the Greyhound Owners' and Breeders' Federation to be represented on Bord na gCon.
9.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Bord na gCon.
8.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will give details of the names and qualifications of the members of Bord na gCon.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
The names of the members of Bord na gCon are as follows :
Desmond Hanrahan (Chairman)
Patrick J. Cox
Cornelius Murphy
Capt. John Ross
Desmond Duffy
John Moriarty
Thomas Fitzgibbon.
All the members have an interest in, and an extensive knowledge of, the greyhound industry. In accordance with the provisions of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, three of these—Mr. Cox, Mr. Murphy and Capt. Ross—are also members of the Executive Committee of the Irish Coursing Club.
The statutory term of office of the present members does not expire until July next. In appointing the members of the Board for the subsequent term, I will have due regard to all the considerations involved.
Am I to understand that at the moment the Minister does not intend to make provision for the representation of the body to which I have referred?
I did not say that.
What is the situation?
In appointing the members of the Board for the subsequent terms, I will have due regard to all the considerations involved.
10.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries how often meetings of Bord na gCon are held; and the date of the last meeting.
Under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, Bord na gCon is required to hold such and so many meetings as may be necessary for the due fulfilment of its functions. I have no function in regard to frequency or dates of meetings.
Could the Minister indicate when they held their last meeting?
I am afraid I could not.
That is part of the question.
I have no function. On behalf of the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, I have only an obligation to answer in a matter in which I have a function. I have no function in regard to this matter.
Surely you would be concerned about whether they met or not?
11.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the amount of money borrowed by Bord na gCon to purchase Shelbourne Park, Dublin; the source from which such money was borrowed; and the terms of the loan.
12.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if Bord na gCon has received or requested permission from his Department to borrow money in order to erect a new stand at Shelbourne Park, Dublin; and, if so, if he will state the amount of the loan and the terms of repayment.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
Bord na gCon sought and obtained my approval in accordance with the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, for an increase in their borrowing powers up to a limit of £175,000. This enabled them to proceed with the purchase of Shelbourne Park. I have no other function in this matter.