Independent Review Og Igb Planned

Nowso

Hayes Announces Independent Review of Bord na gCon
The Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes, TD, has invited the submission of tenders for a review of certain matters relating to Bord na gCon. The Call for Tenders document will be made available on www.etenders.gov.ie .
The review will be undertaken in order to ensure that the legal, governance and administrative framework supporting the industry is appropriate and fully effective and to identify opportunities to maximise the commercial income of the Bord, in order to assist the greyhound racing industry in reaching its potential.
Referring to the proposed review, the Minister said:
“A number of State agencies, including Coillte, BIM and Horse Racing Ireland, have been reviewed in recent times, in order to ensure that the framework within which they are working remains a good fit in a modern operating environment.
I have agreed with the Chairman of Bord na gCon that the time is right for a similar review of Bord na gCon. The greyhound racing industry makes a significant contribution to employment and the Irish economy generally, and I want to ensure that the structures supporting the sector are appropriately configured to maximise its potential into the future”.
The Minister added:
“Stakeholders in the sector have made significant strides and shown great commitment in bringing the industry to where it is today. However there is a need now for reflection and examination of the legal framework, the governance and regulatory structures and the commercial opportunities available in order to chart a course to position this important industry to face the challenges ahead. The Review will build on progress already made and assist the Bord in providing a renewed impetus to the development of the greyhound racing industry”.
Concluding, the Minister explained that his Department, as part of the review, is facilitating a stakeholder consultation process, by seeking written submissions from interested parties. Submissions received will be provided, without comment, to the successful tenderer for consideration and assessment in the context of the Review. The closing date for receipt of submissions from stakeholders is 22nd November 2013.
Stakeholders should note that any information provided to the Department may be published or otherwise disclosed.
Note for Editors:
The Call for Tenders document will be made available on www.etenders.gov.ie from Thursday 10th October 2013
The Terms of Reference for the Review are as follows:
assess the appropriateness of the existing legislation in the current operating environment, particularly with regard to the governance of Bord na gCon, and make recommendations as to any changes required.
evaluate whether the current structure and size of the board and management structure of Bord na gCon is best designed to ensure that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively, in order to maximize the potential of the industry and make recommendations as to any changes required.
against the background of the current financial environment, identify opportunities to increase the commercial income of Bord na gCon assessing levels of debt sustainability and outline the actions required in this regard, including through the development of the breeding sector, having regard to the Bord na gCon Strategic Plan 2013 to 2018.
assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of the systems operated by Bord na gCon with regard to the regulation of the industry and greyhound welfare and make recommendations as to any changes required.
Date Released: 09 October 2013