Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

As the Minister is aware, I have tabled similar questions on previous occasions in respect of the horse and greyhound racing fund. In light of the fact that the administration costs of these bodies, particularly those of Horse Racing Ireland, are only a small proportion of the overall fund, does the Minister agree, assuming Fianna Fáil is returned to Government, which is by no means certain, there is a case for abolishing the fund in 2008? The amount of funding going to the horse and greyhound racing sectors is a real abomination because there are numerous small sporting groups that are crying out for funds. Would it not be better to reintroduce a tax on betting which could fund the horse and greyhound racing industries? Bookies make so much money out of gambling on these two sports they would be well able to fund them properly and ensure that they survive. Does the Minister agree that those who actively participate in sport would be better beneficiaries of this money than already profitable industries?

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