Semi-state chiefs face the sack in contracts row

THE boards of two semi-state companies have been warned to sack their chief executives if they refuse to sign revised contracts.

It follows a dispute with the Department of Agriculture over the chief executives’ ability to amass annual bonuses and their right to claim backdated awards.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said the situation was “not acceptable”. It follows a lengthy standoff between his department and the bodies concerned, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Bord na gCon.