Madam, - The exchanges in the Dáil last Thursday between Minister Seamus Brennan and Olivia Mitchell TD concerning the Government grant of €55 million to the horse-racing industry, surely missed the point. The debate should be about why the taxpayer is grant-aiding the sport of kings in the first place.
The majority of the grant goes towards prize money. Should the Government be paying for the leisure pursuits of the wealthiest section of Irish society - thoroughbred owners? Moreover, many of these beneficiaries are themselves tax exiles.
What next - a grant for the owners of luxury yachts?- Yours, etc,
RUAIRI DUNNE, Rock Cross, Cavan.