asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the total sum derived by way of revenue from the Betting Tax up to the 30th June, and if he will also state (a) how much is derived from betting transactions on the racecourses and (b) from betting offices respectively.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - REVENUE FROM BETTING TAX.
The approximate net amount of revenue received in respect of the duty on bets during the period 1st November, 1926 (the date on which the duty came into force), to the 30th June, 1927, is £120,863. It is not possible to divide this amount exactly as between revenue derived (a) from betting transactions on the racecourses and (b) from betting offices respectively.
The amount received in the period in respect of duty payable at the rate of 2½ per cent. is £35,074, which figure represents the duty on bets made at racecourses, greyhound coursing and greyhound racing in respect of events decided at such meetings. The balance, viz., £85,789, representing duty at the 5 per cent. rate, is mainly in respect of bets made at registered betting offices, but includes duty on bets made at racecourses on events which took place elsewhere and on bets made at places such as football grounds, regattas, etc.
Is the Minister aware that owing to the crippling taxation on racecourse betting and entertainments tax, the Naas Racing Company has had to discharge some of its employees and will he say what steps he intends to take to relieve such companies so as to enable them to carry on?
The whole question of the position of the various racecourse companies and committees in relation to taxation is under examination at the present moment.