Bord na gCon Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2015

Thursday, 25 June 2015

Ceisteanna (118)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

118. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General has a note attached to the 2013 Irish Greyhound Board accounts stating that breaches of procurement guidelines continue at the Irish Greyhound Board, and that this is the third year in a row that the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General has pointed out this breach; if ministerial permission has been granted to breach these guidelines; if he is satisfied with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25646/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Bord na gCon is a statutory body responsible for the regulation of greyhound racing under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958. It is required to conduct its business in accordance with public procurement and other rules.

I am aware of the matter referred to by the Deputy. In December 2013 my Department commissioned Indecon consultants to carry out a review certain matters relating to Bord na gCon, including matters relating to governance, finance, regulation and welfare.

That review noted the C&AG's findings in relation to procurement, but also indicated that Bord na gCon had improved its procurement function by appointing a procurement officer in August 2013. I understand from Bord na gCon that a significant amount of work has been undertaken since then, including the development and introduction of new protocols relating to the purchase of goods and services, a review of procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with European and National legislation and Code of Corporate Governance.