Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2015
113. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the decision-making process regarding the loan of €250,000 that Bord na gCon provided to the Davis Road Greyhound Stadium; if Bord na gCon had an internal auditor at work at the time this loan was agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18754/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon has statutory responsibility under the Greyhound Industry Acts 1958 and 1993 for the control, development and improvement of the greyhound racing industry. The issue to which the Deputy refers is an operational matter for Bord na gCon. That organisation is specifically empowered under Section 16(1) of the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, to provide loans for the “improvement of greyhound race tracks, authorised coursing grounds and the amenities thereof” and for “any other purpose conducive to the improvement and development of the industry”.
I am informed by BNG that financial support in the form of a trading facility in the amount of €250,000, was made available by it to the company referred to by the Deputy. This facility was provided to assist the company concerned with the completion of a project with the objective of furthering the development and promotion of greyhound racing.
I am advised that the proposal to provide this facility was submitted to the Board of Bord na gCon, and that following due consideration, it was approved by the Board, in the best interests of greyhound racing.
I understand that BNG had already appointed an audit firm to fulfil the role of internal audit, on an interim basis, when the decision referred to above was made by the Board.
