Departmental Investigations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 March 2006

Wednesday, 1 March 2006

Questions (17)

Jack Wall

Question:

32 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the terms of reference of the inquiry being undertaken by Mr. Tim Dalton into matters involving Bord na gCon; the progress made to date; when he expects to receive the report; if he intends to make changes to the structure or organisation of the board of Bord na gCon; if he is satisfied that sufficient procedures are in place to prevent doping or irregular practices in the greyhound industry to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure the continued confidence of patrons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8319/06]

Oral answers (3 contributions)

Mr. O’Donoghue

On 31 January 2006, I requested Mr. Tim Dalton, former Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to carry out an independent assessment of issues relating to corporate governance in Bord na gCon as well as its management of positive tests for banned substances. The terms of reference of the independent investigation are as follows: to review the allegations of shortcomings in corporate governance practice at Bord na gCon made by the chief executive of the board in his letter of 18 January to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the response dated 30 January 2006 of the chairman of Bord na gCon to these allegations; taking into account the possibility of legal proceedings taking place, to examine the circumstances surrounding the decision of the board of Bord na gCon on 26 January 2006 to terminate the contract of employment of the chief executive of Bord na gCon with immediate effect; to report, when and if possible in light of the said legal proceedings, the findings to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism and, in any event, to advise on any actions considered necessary to ensure adherence to best corporate governance practice; and to consider the way in which Bord na gCon procedures dealing with doping infringements are currently carried out, to comment on the adequacy of existing procedures and to advise whether there should be any changes or modifications put into effect.

While no precise timetable has been laid down for the completion of Mr. Dalton's investigation, I would expect to receive his report in a matter of weeks rather than months. I agree with the Deputy that the interests of the greyhound sector will be best served by having the issues which are the subject of the investigation resolved as speedily as possible. I intend to respond quickly to any recommendations made to me by Mr. Dalton. It will be appreciated however, that pending receipt of his report, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the structure or organisation of the board of Bord na gCon, the procedures in place to prevent doping in the greyhound industry or any other issues relating to the greyhound industry.

Mr. Wall

I thank the Minister for his reply. Will he receive only a final report from Mr. Dalton? Is there no interim report on the structure that has been put in place?

I understand there is no predetermined time for the appointment of the chairman of Bord na gCon. Why does this not apply in all other State agencies? Does the Minister accept that the problems that have arisen have damaged the greyhound industry? Are the anti-doping mechanisms in Ireland of the same standard as those in the United Kingdom? Has any effort been made to create a common denominator between the two jurisdictions given the exchange of greyhounds between the two countries?

Today's Order Paper lists many documents laid before the Dáil in respect of Bord na gCon's subsidiaries. Some refer to 2001 but are only being laid before the House five years later. I question why we should wait so long for the director's reports, which pertain only to the years up to 2004. What is the thinking behind this?

Has the board met since the controversy arose and what decisions has it made since then? Has the chairman honoured his statements to the effect that he would make public and transparent any test results available regarding drugs or their misuse in the greyhound industry? Has there been any contact with the Minister's office in this regard?

Mr. O’Donoghue

I understand Bord na gCon would have had a meeting or meetings since this controversy arose. There will not be an interim report but a final report, which I trust will be comprehensive.

On the question on the term of the chairman, Bord na gCon was set up on 28 May 1958 under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Its functions are set out in the legislation, which provides that the Minister appoint the chairman, who is to remain in office at the pleasure of the Minister. It is implicit that the Minister would have to have a reason to remove the chairman, if deemed necessary.

The report is being compiled by Mr. Dalton and I am awaiting it. I have explained that I will act upon his recommendations and I feel sure the House will have an opportunity to discuss the report, if it so wishes, following consultation with the Whips. I would not like to pre-empt or prejudge the report and I look forward to receiving it.