Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I am not debating the content. I am explaining why I am opposing the taking of it without debate. It is a matter of the most profound significance. It is virtually the only earmarked tax in the country and we are pouring out hundreds of millions to support this industry, not from betting tax, as was intended, but from the Exchequer at a time when 101,000 people are losing their entitlement to medical cards. This is a major issue which requires debate in the House. It is one of the legacies of the old regime which was designed to look after the lads in the racing industry by the former Minister for Finance, Deputy McCreevy, and the other emeritus Minister, Deputy Walsh.

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