Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Minister of State to reconsider his position on this. This is a constructive and positive amendment. It seeks to protect people who are vulnerable and at risk. It would prevent people from losing money they do not have. I take on board the Minister of State's sincerity with regard to the Bill and that he is trying to bring forward the best possible legislation, but we have to protect people from losing money they do not have. We met numerous groups about different parts of the Bill relating to gambling harm. Deputy Daly and I met families and people who lost loved ones as a result of suicide because of gambling debt. People gambled all the money they had and everything they could get their hands on. This amendment would protect such vulnerable people. It is positive and constructive. Is the Minister of State willing to consider it and maybe bring it in later? I do not want to call a division and lose the vote. I would sooner work with him to try to move things forward. I am really firm on this as I believe it is the right thing to do.

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