Horse Racing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024

Wednesday, 6 March 2024

Ceisteanna (165)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

165. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that as Minister for Agriculture he appoints up to two directors to the co-op board of the Irish Horse Board; when does this term expire; if he will continue to appoint a person or persons to that board; if he has sought input from that director on the Irish Horse Boards suitability or capability to undertake a contract worth €4 million; if he has given consideration to appointing governance experts to the board of the Irish Horse Board; what international marketing expertise existed within the Irish Horse Board Board of Directors at the time if tender evaluation in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11082/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware that, as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I may appoint up to three Directors to the Board of the named organisation. At the time of establishment of the named organisation in 1993, it was deemed sufficient for the Minister at that time to appoint only one Director to the Board.  The appointment does not include an expiry date. 

Following the completion of the public tender process for the provision of certain services to the sport horse sector, the contract for the provision of Marketing Services was awarded to the Irish Horse Board.

I am satisfied that the tender for the provision of Marketing Services was appropriately awarded to the Irish Horse Board in line with Public Procurement Guidelines and that the Irish Horse Board has the capacity to successfully deliver the contracted services.

I did not consult the Ministerial appointee concerning the aforementioned contract during the procurement process.