asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that certain racecourse executives, who are in receipt of moneys from the Racing Board, have refused to allow the National Anthem to be played at the end of race meetings held under their control when requested so to do and whether he proposes to take any steps in connection with the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Anthem at Race Meetings.
The information available to me indicates that, in every case where a band is employed by a racecourse executive, the National Anthem is played after the last race.
Is the Minister aware that the executive of the Curragh racecourse have refused to agree that the National Anthem should be played?
I am not so aware.
Perhaps the Minister will make inquiries.
Most decidedly. My information is derived from the Racing Board, who tell me that only three executives employ bands and the Curragh is not amongst these.
Is the Minister aware that at many of the smaller southern race meetings, where a public address system is utilised, the National Anthem is played on a gramophone record?
I understand that is so.
When the suggestion was made to the Curragh executive, they refused to carry it out.
I do not say that they put up this claim, but I understand that its playing on a gramophone is not regarded as exactly suitable for the National Anthem. I am not saying that that is the Curragh executive's view. I know nothing about their view. They are not an executive which employs a band, and the Racing Board have no knowledge about them, but I will certainly take the matter up.
Does the Minister not consider that the playing of the National Anthem on a racecourse after a race meeting tends to lower the high and honourable standing of the National Anthem? A racecourse is no place for the National Anthem.
That is another viewpoint.
That is not the viewpoint which induced these particular people to refuse to play it.
I do not know the minds of the Curragh executive, so I cannot say what motivates them.