Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Horse Racing Ireland.

Michael Finucane

Question:

438 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the financial and legislative details and arrangements for Horse Racing Ireland, which is due to replace the Irish Horse Racing Authority; the level of its budget in 2001; if there will be a continuation of the 0.3% levy on off-course betting turnover and the annual £2,000 registration fee per betting shop; the target date for the establishment of the new arrangements that will apply to the financing of the new body; when board appointments will be made; if there will be any Exchequer grant in 2001 in addition to the revenue receipts; and if he will make a full statement on the other relevant details in relation to the establishment of this body. [2324/01]

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

Following extensive consultations and negotiations with the organisations involved in the industry, agreement on the establishment of a new single governing structure for the administration of Irish racing was reached last October. Work is still in progress in my Department on the preparation of the financial and legislative details of the proposed new arrangements. It is anticipated that the detailed proposals will be submitted to Government shortly and, if approved, the new arrangements will apply after the appropriate legislation is enacted.