Vol. 492 No. 4
188 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Finance his views on recent developments in which bookmakers outside Ireland are offering tax free betting to Irish punters; the effect this will have on revenue; if he is considering a reduction in betting tax; if he will grant special licenses to Irish based bookmakers who have only non-Irish resident customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14303/98]
As I stated in reply to a question on this issue, on 10 June 1998, I am aware of recent developments concerning telephone and Internet betting. As I mentioned also, my officials and those of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners are monitoring closely these developments.
Under present Irish law, it is illegal for a person within the State to place a bet with a person outside the State. I can confirm, however, that there has been no falling off in receipt performance from betting this year to date. The receipts for 1997 were in the region of £45.5 million.
There are no plans to grant "special" licences to Irish based bookmakers who have only nonIrish resident customers or to reduce the current level of tax on betting.
