Horse Racing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024

Wednesday, 6 March 2024

Ceisteanna (171)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

171. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number and grades of each person within his Department responsible for sport horse policy; the qualifications of those persons; the number of those persons with a direct involvement in the sport horse sector, such as competing horses in sports competitions by them or direct family members; if there any conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts between current sport horse policy staff; the measures taken by his Department to ensure no conflicts or perceived conflicts arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11088/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The officials in my Department  responsible for policy regarding the sport horse sector includes  one Senior Inspector (Bachelor Agricultural Science,  Ph D) and one Agricultural Inspector (Masters Agricultural Science M Agr Sc). Other staff within my Department, from administrative, technical or professional grades may be consulted on specific policy matters as required. 

All Civil Servants including those with direct responsibility for sport horse policy are subject to the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour which includes, inter alia, managing potential conflicts of interest. 

I am satisfied that this policy and associated actions are fully complied with by those responsible for horse sport policy in my Department.