Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 5

Written Answers. - Betting Levy.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

74 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will allow small bookmakers to pay the betting levy on a monthly rather than an up front annual basis in view of the fact it is proving financially difficult for some small bookmakers. [26531/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The charge being referred to by the Deputy is one introduced under section 54E of the Irish Horseracing Industry Act, 1994 as inserted by section 4 of the Horse and Greyhound Racing (Betting Charges and Levies) Act, 1999. The relevant provisions prescribe that off-course bookmakers must pay to the Revenue Commissioners for and on behalf of the authority by the 1 September each year a charge, in respect of each premises, of £500, £1,000 or £2,000 depending on their level of turnover at the premises up to the previous June.

There is no pre-existing convenient system that would allow for the collection of this charge on a monthly basis. It was considered that the introduction of a special monthly collection system would be too cumbersome and inefficient. The lower rates were in fact introduced especially to cater for the possible difficult financial circumstances that some smaller bookmakers may find themselves in. Under the legislation the only instalment system that could be used now is one involving advance payments so that the full amount of any liability would be paid by 1 September as prescribed in the Act.