asked the Minister for Education if, in respect of the inquiry which was established under her aegis to look into all aspects of the management and operation of Dublin Zoo, she will outline (a) the composition of the inquiry board, (b) the members of that board, (c) its terms of reference and (d) the number of meetings which have taken place to date; when an interim or final report will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Zoo.
211.
The Government recently appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Michael Doyle, MRCVS, to advise on the future operation of Dublin Zoo. The committee will be reporting to me. The committee's terms of reference are appended.
The members of the committee have wide professional expertise in various areas relevant to the Zoo's operations. The chairman, Mr. Michael Doyle, is a veterinary specialist and the other members are Mr. George Eaton, of Eaton and Dowd, chartered accountants, Mr. Nicholas Jackson, chairman of Conservation and Animal Management Committee of the British National Zoo Federation and Mr. Noel Pearson, chairman, the Abbey Theatre. The committee held their first working meeting on 15 November 1989 and the committee met again on 29 November 1989.
It is too soon for me to say when the committee will be issuing a report and whether this will be an interim or a final report.
The following are the terms of reference of the committee:
The Royal Zoological Society of Ireland
Terms of reference of the Committee established by the Government to advise on the future operation of the Dublin Zoo.
To advise on the following:
(a) To recommend on the future operation of the Dublin Zoo the approach to the keeping and caring of animals and related matters, taking account of any proposed EC legislation in the area.
(b) To review the financial operation of the Zoo with respect to income from all sources, including sponsorship, and expenditure.
(c) To assess how the Zoo can be made financially viable without public subvention and to recommend on the steps necessary to bring about the maximum possible financial viability.
(d) To meet or receive submissions from interested parties and bodies regarding the operation of the Zoo.
(e) Such other issues as may be relevant to the future operation of the Dublin Zoo.