Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I move amendment No. 92:

In page 17, before section 31, to insert the following new section:

38.—Section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Act 2001 is amended, in subsection

(5), by the insertion of "and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform" after "Minister for Finance".

This amendment refers to section 12 of the Horse and Greyhound Act 2001 which establishes the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. The fund is simply transferring to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the amendment gives a continuing role to the Minister for Finance because it involves excise duty on the taxation side of it and taxation matters will continue to be a matter for the Minister for Finance. Excise duties from off course betting is important. An appropriate role is retained for the Minister for Finance although the fund is transferring formally to my Department.

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