Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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88. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Irish trotting and harness racing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25469/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to requests that a tote licence be issued to bodies providing trotting and harness racing in Ireland. 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.

As 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.  The provisions of that legislation will be fundamental in any consideration of the issue raised by the Deputy.