asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that prior to the passing of the Betting Act, 1926 (a) each of the eight meetings of the Naas Race Company, Ltd., was a financial success; (b) that since the passing of the Act, each of the nine meetings held showed a substantial loss; (c) that the company has given over £5,000 in stakes each year since its formation; (d) that the Government has received over £3,000 in entertainment and other taxes; (e) that the company paid over £1,000 per annum in wages, and that as a result of excessive taxation the company is now unable to carry on, and has discharged all its employees, the racecourse being at present in charge of a caretaker, and whether he intends to abolish or reduce taxation in respect of race companies sufficiently to enable them to recoup losses.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - NAAS RACE COMPANY.
I am aware that the Naas Race Company, Ltd., furnished certain returns relating to their financial condition to the Committee which I appointed to inquire into the present position of Irish racing, and that these returns show that the Naas Race Company, in common with most other race executives, suffered considerable losses in the year 1927. I am not in a position, however, to state to what extent the losses may be ascribed to the betting duty or to other causes. The matter is receiving my earnest consideration, and I shall announce the Government's intentions as regards Irish racing at the earliest opportunity. I understand that the figures referred to by the Deputy are substantially correct.
I hope the Labour Deputies who voted for and supported this tax will take a note of the details of that question.
Sure.