Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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50. To ask the Minister for Finance further to the upcoming renewal of the licence for the tote, currently with Horse Racing Ireland, if this licence will be up for public tender in order to generate the maximun income for the State and to assist with the horse racing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5832/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The tote was established under the Totalisator Act 1929 and  to date Bord Na gCon and Horse Racing Ireland (or their predecessors) are the only bodies licensed to operate a tote. The primary purpose of this arrangement is to fund the horse and greyhound racing industry in Ireland. The licence for Tote Ireland is due to expire in 2014 and an application for its renewal is under consideration in my Department.  The Deputy will be aware that the operation of the tote is to be reviewed in the context of the forthcoming Gambling Control Bill which is currently under preparation by my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.