Horse Racing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024

Wednesday, 20 March 2024

Ceisteanna (1052)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

1052. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 6 March 2024, the terms of such exit agreement to a named member of staff within a named organisation (details supplied); the costs to his Department of such an agreement; if the named individual was named as part the management team/project team of a series of tenders submitted to his Department during a period under which the person was exempt from competing against their former employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12906/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department provides funding to the named organisation for the purpose of supporting the sport horse sector, which includes associated operational costs.

Operational matters are determined by the Board and the CEO of the named organisation. I am advised that during 2021 and up to January 2022, a HR matter involving the named individual was under active management by the then Board of the named organisation. I am further advised that the matter was brought to a resolution by the named organisation in January 2022 within the budgetary provision made available my Department.

I can confirm that the named individual was not referred to in the said tender submission/s by the second named organisation.