asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the prevalence of car parking in Phoenix Park during race meetings; and if, in view of the danger thus constituted to the public and the damage caused to the grassland, he will take steps to have this practice prohibited.

It has been the practice for over 50 years to provide a car park in Phoenix Park inside the Ashtown Gate on days on which race meetings are held in Phoenix Park Racecourse in order to assist the Garda with traffic problems in the area. A charge of 50 pence per car is made on these days. While I do not consider that this car park constitutes a danger to the public, I am aware of the damage to the grassland surface of the car parking area. However, prohibition of car parking there on race days would cause immense traffic problems on the roads outside the park and, therefore, I consider it advisable to continue the present practice. Apart from this parking in the designated area the bye-law prohibiting parking of cars on other areas is enforced as far as practicable on race days as well as all other days of the year.

14.