Horse Racing Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2010

Tuesday, 14 December 2010

Ceisteanna (290)

Lucinda Creighton

Ceist:

308 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the pay increases awarded to staff at Horse Racing Ireland in the years 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010; the amounts of any increases and the reasons for same; if any pay increases have been awarded to management at the company; the amounts of any such increases and the reasons for same; if any bonuses have been awarded to staff or management at the company in those years; the total amount of any such bonuses and the amounts received by individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47140/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The policy in relation to determining and approving the remuneration of each Chief Executive of each state body under the auspices of my Department is that set out by Government and in Department of Finance guidelines.

The CEO of Horse Racing Ireland was awarded two pay increases of 2.5% in 2008, on 1 March and 1 September. These increases were in accordance with Government guidelines. The CEO subsequently took a voluntary pay reduction of just over 8% in 2010 to give a current salary of €175,200.

The CEO was awarded a bonus of €65,000 in respect of his performance in 2008 and a bonus of €57,000 in respect of his performance in 2009. To date, €43,911 of the 2008 award and €40,539 of the 2009 award has been paid.

Remuneration of other members of staff in Horse Racing Ireland is an operational matter that falls within the remit of the Board.