asked the Minister for Finance whether in view of the fact that the Betting Control Board is not now paying the contribution of 2½ per cent. formerly made to the Exchequer on Totalisator bets he will arrange that the Board should henceforth pay to the Executives of the various racecourses at which the Totalisator is operated a sum equal to 2½ per cent. of all amounts stated to be used for the encouragement of horse breeding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Betting Control Board Contribution.
The Board of Control for Mechanical Betting in Saorstát Eireann is already, under the provisions of the Totalisator Regulations, 1930, paying to the executives of the various racecourses at which the Totalisator is operated a sum equal to 2½ per cent. of all amounts staked by means of the Totalisator on such racecourses.
During the period — 15 years from August 1931 — of the existing licence granted to the Board, I have no power to insist that a high percentage shall be paid to racecourse executives, but I may say that one of the conditions of the licence is that any surplus profits in the hands of the Board are to be applied towards such purposes tending to the promotion of horse racing or horse breeding as shall be specifically approved of by the Minister for Finance.