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

I do not want to be confrontational or get into an argument. I sat in for some of the justice committee because my remit is addiction, recovery and well-being. It is very important that this Bill is right. At no stage did anyone feel - maybe I am wrong here - that this would affect sporting organisations and charities. That was never the intention. This was for the likes of Paddy Power, Ladbrokes and the big global companies that are using every trick in the book. They are advertising at the moment using top international stars. The quality is actually film quality. There is a certain amount of advertising on social media. My own children got it during Covid. Young people are being targeted.

To clarify, when this came up at the justice committee, there was never a reference to charities or sporting organisations. I asked the Minister of State a question earlier regarding the amendments he is bringing forward in the Seanad. For all the groups I mentioned that were getting €20,000, €30,000 or 40,000, will that amendment cover all of them with regard to advertising so that they will not be affected?

If we had sight of the amendments the Minister of State is going to bring forward, it might ease Deputies' concerns. At this time, I believe Deputies are very concerned about voting for this tonight because every GAA club and charity in their constituencies and in this State will be terrified of the consequences of this Bill.

See this speech in context