asked the Minister for Finance what measure of control the Irish Racing Board has over the Irish Turf Club; and whether he is aware that the Irish Turf Club has frequently refused training licences to, or withdrawn licences from, horse trainers possessing considerable experience and extensive stabling establishments without satisfactory explanation and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Turf Club: Relationship with Racing Board.
The relationship between the Irish Turf Club and the Racing Board is laid down in the Racing Board and Rececourses Act, 1945, for the purposes of which the Irish Turf Club is one of the governing bodies.
I have no function in relation to the matter mentioned in the second part of the Deputy's question.
Would the Minister state is there any such body as the Irish Turf Club? What legal right has this particular body to the name "Irish Turf Club"?
I suggest that the Deputy might examine the Racing Board and Racecourses Act, 1945, where I think he will find that they are so defined.
There is not an Irishman on it. Well, there are two on it, but the rest are anything but Irish.
That is a most outrageous statement, particularly when the Chief of Staff of our Army is on it.
There may be two.
I would ask the Minister whether he is aware that a number of persons desiring to engage in horse racing are not satisfied with the manner in which refusals are issued by the Turf Club regarding the issue or restoration of licences?
The brigadiers have the last word.
I never yet met a case in which everybody was satisfied on every occasion on which a licence of any form was issued or was not issued.