asked the Minister for Justice if the memorandum submitted by the Sports Federation of Ireland, which contained evidence of the practical nature of governmental assistance to sport in many countries, and which seeks to secure comparable support from our own Government, has been considered by the Government; and, if not, when the Government's views will be made known.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sports Federation Memorandum.
Mr. Boland
I have had the memorandum submitted by the Sports Federation of Ireland under consideration and I am not prepared to recommend the Government to accept suggestions for the raising of money for the advancement of sport by way of State-controlled pools or lotteries. I have brought the suggestions for exemption from entertainment tax, etc., to the notice of the individual Ministers concerned.
The Sports Federation did not place its whole case on football pools. It gave evidence of what other countries are doing. I think it is about time that the Government made up their minds on this and gave some assistance to sport here. The Sports Federation are not, as I say, placing their case on football pools entirely. At the conference with the Minister very good suggestions were made, and I think they should be very seriously considered.
Mr. Boland
As far as I am concerned, as Minister for Justice, I do not favour the raising of money by State lotteries, and I am not prepared to recommend that to the Government.
The last Government refused to spend £25,000 on sport.
What about the £24,000,000 we left you?