Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

67. To ask the Minister for Finance the legal conditions attached to the granting of a tote licence; the groups or bodies who are eligible to apply, and the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12374/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 Bord na gCon was renewed for a period of 5 years which commenced on 24 October 2013 and the licence for Tote Ireland was renewed for a period of 7 years which commenced on 7 March 2014.

The Government in approving the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill in July 2013 indicated that the Tote should be brought within the scope of the scheme. The Deputy will be aware that the Gambling Control Bill is currently under preparation by my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.