asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the fact that returns to the Exchequer from 900 turf accountants offices at 20 per cent are practically the same as returns from 300 offices at 10 per cent in the North and that the law of diminishing returns is in operation, he agrees that there is a case for a reduction to a realistic figure from which the Exchequer would benefit and which would have the full support of the Irish Bookmakers Association and which would virtually eliminate illegal betting.
Written Answers. - Betting Duty.
97.
I am not satisfied that a reduction in the excise duty on off-course betting would result in a gain to the Exchequer or would eliminate evasion of the duty.
The comparison drawn by the Deputy between the Exchequer returns from off-course betting duty in the State and in Northern Ireland does not take account of factors such as the greater facilities for on-course betting at racing meetings in the State. If, for example, off-course betting and on-course betting at racing meetings are taken together, betting turnover in the State was about double that in Northern Ireland in 1983.