Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2016
543. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department did not insist upon an open competition to fill the role of chief executive officer of Horse Racing Ireland when the incumbent's second term in the role came to an end. [28510/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the board of Horse Racing Ireland, subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers.
In the case of Horse Racing Ireland, the Chairman of HRI made a case for an exceptional extension to the term of appointment of the CEO, based on a number of business imperatives. These included the implementation of a five year plan for the industry, HRI's role in the development of the Curragh, and the CEO's occupation of influential positions in a number of international bodies.
In this instance both I and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform accepted the case and provided the necessary consents for an exceptional re-appointment of the CEO by the Board for a period of 5 years following expiry of his contract on 24 September 2016.
