Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I would like to refer to an issue I have raised in the House over the last couple of months. I have a problem with credit cards being the modus operandiupon which licences are awarded. I do not know of any bookmaker at any race track who plugs in a credit card apparatus to take one's details. I believe that if one wishes to place a bet, one should have the money on one, or one should have access to a debit card. I have raised this issue with the Department and the Minister. I put it to the Minister of State that the problem of gambling addiction, which is well documented and not easily overcome, has been exacerbated by the easing of access to credit cards. I remind him that many people have publicly announced the level of debt they have accumulated. I suggest that if we were to restrict these transactions to debit cards, nobody could use a credit card to bet money he or she does not have. I do not think there is a bookmaker out there who would offer credit on these terms, so why should a financial institution facilitate somebody going into hock or debt for the purposes of a fun activity? An enormous level of debt can mount up as a result of this addiction. I would like to hear the Minister of State's thoughts on that, if possible. This relates to the licensing issue raised by Deputy Michael McGrath. Does the Department have any thoughts on this matter? Has it worked through what I am suggesting?