Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
687. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that the salary for the new Chief Executive Officer of Horse Racing Ireland was set at a higher rate than that previously stipulated; if the decision originated within his Department or Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3227/22]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI), established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, is a commercial State Body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The Irish Horse Racing Industry Act 1994 and The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016 (Remuneration and Superannuation) provide that the terms and conditions of the CEO of HRI are subject to the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and myself.
The final contract of employment provides for a single salary point of €190k. The salary was proposed by HRI and was consented by myself and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform following due consideration. NewERA were also consulted.
I support the terms of employment of the new CEO of Horse Racing Ireland and view the remuneration as proportionate, in light of HRI’s contribution to the economy and the responsibilities and challenges of the role. The terms are in line with those of the previous CEO.
