asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that a subscription fund to assist dependents of the late Mr. Gerry Fitzgerald, who sustained fatal injury on a racecourse, has been opened, owing to the very limited amount of compensation payable by the Irish Racing Board; and whether, in view of the substantial revenue derived from the 2½ per cent. tax which is collected in respect of course betting, he will introduce a scheme to provide adequate compensation for jockeys and their dependents in case of injury, fatal or otherwise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Injured Jockeys.
I have seen in one of the daily newspapers lists of subscriptions to a fund opened for the purpose of assisting the dependents of the late Mr. Gerry Fitzgerald.
I assume the reference to compensation in the Deputy's question relates to the Drogheda Memorial Fund which is administered by the Turf Club and the National Hunt Steeplechase Committee. The Racing Board has no functions in relation to that fund nor does it operate any scheme of a similar kind. The Racing Board is restricted as regards the use of its funds, whether derived from the levy on course bets or otherwise, by the provisions of Section 16 of the Racing Board and Racecourses Act, 1945. I will bring the suggestion made in the Deputy's question to the notice of the board.
The Deputy will understand that I have no power to introduce a compensation scheme, as he requests, nor are there any funds under my control from which such a scheme could be financed.