Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2017
74. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has sought or received information from an organisation (details supplied) on its work with the Workplace Relations Commission with regard to ensuring compliance with all relevant employment legislation in the horse racing industry. [41494/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHorse Racing Ireland is a commercial state body responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
This is a matter ultimately for the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Horse Racing Ireland has informed me that they have had two meetings to date at Chief Executive Officer level with the Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission, which is under the aegis of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and a further three working meetings at HR Director level.
Horse Racing Ireland and the Workplace Relations Commission have agreed to undertake a joint initiative of education and information on employment law for employers in the sector. I understand that, working with Teagasc, similar exercises have been carried out for other sectors within Agriculture. Work on this project has commenced and has already involved the employer groups within the industry, with a view to being completed by Quarter 1, 2018.
Horse Racing Ireland has also been apprised by the Workplace Relations Commission of the current status of its programme of inspections within the sector.
