I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 to 238, inclusive, together.
Horse Racing Ireland is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the board of HRI, subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers.
The current guidelines on contracts for the CEOs of State Bodies provide for a seven year period of appointment. In the case of Horse Racing Ireland the Chairman of HRI made a case for an extension to the term of appointment of the CEO as an exception to those guidelines, based on a number of business imperatives.
The necessary Ministerial consents were provided and I am advised by HRI that the board agreed to re-appoint the CEO on 21st July 2016.
I have already indicated that I understand that the board had not had a formal discussion on the case presented to support the CEO's appointment prior to its submission, and that it would have been more appropriate to have had such a discussion before Ministerial consents were sought.
I note however that the Board has confirmed that the Chairman's actions and intentions reflected its views regarding the CEO's contract, but recognised that a more collegiate approach would have improved the process. The board has also indicated that it is fully agreed that there was no intention to incorrectly inform the Minister or misrepresent its views. The board of HRI has also indicated that it is satisfied that "the best result for HRI and the industry has been achieved with the successful completion of the new CEO contract".