Horse Racing Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024

Wednesday, 8 May 2024

Ceisteanna (420)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

420. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 157 of 6 March 2024 and 1043 and 1044 of 20 March 2024, with respect to evaluation of three tenders for marketing services for the horse sport industry, national equine breeding services and studbook operations for the Irish Sport Horse and Irish Draught Studbooks, the steps he took to ensure that he was “satisfied that all panel members of the evaluation team were impartial and independent in the context of procurement procedure”; if he reassured himself that no panel member applied personally or professionally to the incumbent the Horse Sport Ireland for funding in any of the five years prior to tender evaluation; if he reassured himself that no panel member or their extended family members registered or owned horses registered with the incumbent; if he reassured himself that no panel member or officials involved in any of the review stages held personal relationships with any prospective bidder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20673/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Following a complaint that was lodged with the EU Commission in March 2018, and following communications between my Department and the Commission, it was agreed that a public procurement process would take place in 2022 in respect of certain services including the provision of Marketing Services, National Breeding Services and Studbook Services for the Sport Horse Sector. Procurement processes for the provision of the above named Services for the Sport Horse Sector was carried out by my Department in accordance with National and EU Procurement Guidelines. 

I am satisfied that all members which completed the compliance check and those that formed the  independent evaluation team were impartial and independent and each person completed confidentiality/conflict of interest declaration forms.