Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2015
200. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the control committee of Bord na gCon is sufficiently independent, given that it is appointed by the board itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27431/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na gCon is a commercial State body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958, charged with the regulation and development of the greyhound racing industry.
The Control Committee and the Control Appeals Committee of Bord na gCon are established under legislation (Greyhound Industry, Control Committee and Control Appeal Committee Regulations 2007, S.I. Number 301 of 2007).
The Control Committee consists of five members who are appointed by the Board of Bord na gCon. Under Article 5 of the legislation establishing the Control Committee and Control Appeal Committee, at least one practising solicitor or practising barrister and at least one veterinarian shall be appointed to the Control Committee from time to time and the term of office of members of the Control Committee shall be three years but retiring members shall be eligible for reappointment.
The existing Control Committee was appointed by the Board on the 29th August, 2013, in accordance with Article 5 of the same legislation.
Article 9 of the above legislation provides for situations where a member of the Control Committee has (other than in that capacity) a pecuniary interest or other beneficial interest in, or material to, any matter to be considered by the Control Committee.
I am satisfied that the Control Committee continue to discharge their statutory and other functions and obligations according to legislative requirements.
