asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that while the tax has been repealed in respect of greyhound racing it is continued in respect of the racing of other dogs which has commenced in recent years; and whether he will repeal the tax now levied in the latter cases where dog racing is carried on for charitable purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tax on Dog Racing.
9.
I presume that the Deputy has in mind the betting duty chargeable on bets made at terrier races.
I am not prepared to exempt such bets from duty. Betting duty is payable by the bookmaker who accepts the bet and not by the organiser of the event; and an exemption from duty on charitable grounds would, therefore, be quite inappropriate.
Would the Minister say on what grounds it is considered desirable and legitimate to exempt greyhound racing from tax on bets and to maintain the tax on bets in respect of other dogs, particularly where a race meeting might be run for a charitable purpose?
Perhaps the Deputy would put down the question again for reply by the Minister who, obviously, has a very good reason.