andOrmonde asked the Minister for Finance if he will state, in respect of the period since 1948, the amounts paid by the Racing Board to the Irish Turf Club, and the purposes of each such payment.

I understand that, over the period mentioned in the question, the Racing Board has made payments to the Irish Turf Club in exercise of the powers conferred on the board by Section 16 of the Racing Board and Racecourses Act, 1945. These payments were made on the board's own responsibility and did not require the approval or consent of the Minister for Finance. The Deputies who have tabled the question might consider addressing their inquiry to the secretary of the Racing Board.