asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the Irish Coursing Club is proposing to divest itself of its more valuable assets, and whether he will take action to ensure that none of the properties in the ownership of the club at the date of the introduction of the Greyhound Industry Bill, 1955, will be sold, otherwise than by public auction until the Oireachtas has dealt with the Bill; further, if he has not the power to prevent a private sale, if he will introduce legislation to ensure that none of the assets now possessed by the Irish Coursing Club can be disposed of pending the coming into existence of any new club proposed by the Bill.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Coursing Club Assets.
This question appears to deal with matters wholly within the competence of the members of the Irish Coursing Club. I have however made inquiries from the President of the Irish Coursing Club, who informs me that while offers to buy or lease property belonging to the club have been received from time to time over the years, no decision has in fact been made by the club as suggested in the first part of the question.
As to the second part of the question, I am informed by the President of the Irish Coursing Club that any decision to sell or let any property of the club would require the assent of the general body of the members, and that should any such decision be taken at any time, it would be carried into effect by public auction or competitive tender.
The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.
Did the President of the Irish Coursing Club inform the Minister that the secretary of the club has resigned his position and made an offer to purchase Powerstown Park for £25,000? In view of the terms of the Bill now under the consideration of this House "to reorganise and reform" that, I suggest, is a matter that should be looked into. The Irish Coursing Club ought to transfer the assets to the reformed club. The Minister might look into the matter.
The Minister was not so informed. I would refer the Deputy again to that section of my reply which says:—
"I am informed by the President of the Irish Coursing Club that any decision to sell or let any property of the club would require the assent of the general body of the members, and that should any such decision be taken at any time, it would be carried into effect by public auction or competitive tender."