National Stud

Head of National Stud to Face Oireachtas Committee to Answer Questions on Expenses
and Governance

8th June 2010

Concerns regarding the level of expenses racked up on foreign travel and claims that proper procurement procedures were not followed at the Irish National Stud (INS) will be investigated by the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee tomorrow, (9th) at 11:30 am in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House.

Current Chief Executive of the National Stud, Mr John Osbourne will attend the Committee.

The meeting occurs following accusations that the Irish National Stud failed to follow proper procurement procedures by giving business deals worth €718,000 to firms run by staff of the stud. It is also claimed the INS’ former chief executive incurred up to €800,000 in travel expenses in eight years.

Committee Chairman, Johnny Brady TD said;
“There have been some reservations expressed regarding corporate governance and operational matters at the Irish National Stud. Claims have been made that expenses on foreign travel were excessive and that correct procurement rules were not followed.

The Committee is anxious to get answers to these and other questions. The purpose of the meeting tomorrow is to put some of these important issues to the current boss of the National Stud to establish if proper practice is being followed at the organisation.