Horse Racing Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2016

Wednesday, 12 October 2016

Ceisteanna (82)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

82. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, on 27 September 2016, and prior to the release of a press statement by Horse Racing Ireland on that date, he is aware and if he will assure Dáil Éireann that neither the HRI chairman, the board nor any member of staff employed within HRI had any communication with his Department or with any official in his Department or within the Minister's office in regard to the press release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30001/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) 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 issuing of press releases is an operational matter for HRI.  The press release which HRI issued on the 27th September 2016 was not discussed with me or with my officials. However, a copy of the press release was sent to my department after its approval by the Board.