168 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his Department has carried out an assessment of the adverse impact on confidence in the greyhound industry of the recent appointment by Bord na gCon to one of its subsidiary boards of a person whom the Government, on the recommendation of the Minister, declined to reappoint to the main board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11452/02]

Appointments to the board of Bord na gCon are made as vacancies arise. In making such appointments the possible re-appointment of outgoing members as well as new members to serve the industry is considered. Appointments to subsidiary boards is an operational matter for the board of Bord na gCon.

169 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to recent reports as to the ongoing payment of travel and subsistence expenses to part-time members of Bord na gCon and its subsidiary companies for regular and routine attendances at racing at Shelbourne Park and Harold's Cross dog tracks; and if he will make a statement as to whether such expense payments constitute a proper distribution of the board's funds and Exchequer grants to the organisation and the industry. [11454/02]

170 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his Department's regulations and procedural requirements in respect of the payment of travel and subsistence expenses to members of boards of semi-State bodies, Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon in respect of attendances at scheduled main board and subsidiary company meetings; if attendances at regular race meetings come within the remit of his Department's directives; and if his Department and the semi-State companies attached to his Department are ensuring full compliance in these matters. [11455/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.

It is the normal requirement that payment of travel and subsistence expenses to board members of State bodies, including Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon be made at Civil Service rates. I regard it as an operational matter for the boards themselves to decide where and when attendance by board members is required.