Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I say "Well done" to the Minister for introducing this Bill. As Deputy Finian McGrath pointed out, it is a pity he did not go the full distance and also bring in the gambling control Bill, which is the behavioural dimension to the regulation side of things. We have heard in the debate from Deputy Healy-Rae how the apps that come on iphones and other types of technology that people carry make betting so instantly and easily available and accessible. There is no doubt it is an increasingly addictive behaviour. It has been shown scientifically and psychologically that this is a fact. If one combines the ease of accessibility of this particular pastime with the advertising persuasiveness and the glamorising of that activity, it is a very heady cocktail, and one that leads to a lot of unnecessary and avoidable misery for many families.

I want to put on the record that, in my constituency about a year ago, the Paddy Power organisation opened its new headquarter offices at Power Tower in Clonskeagh. I had to decline the invitation to be present at the opening of that premises by the Taoiseach because, in my heart and in my head, I knew that while it is persuasive to say that over the next two years there will be 500 jobs for graduates in mathematics, risk management and actuarial-type activity, the bottom line is that for those 500 jobs, there will be 5,000 families who will be brought to greater pain and financial difficulties through this activity.

It is right that there should be taxes on this. Deputy Finian McGrath said he has a nice, regular and moderate approach to the punting and betting he carries out, and I have no problem with that. However, there should be a tax on that activity at a level that is prohibitive. It is very easy to do this in the area of cigarette smoking, which is harmful, and cigarette selling, which is indirectly harmful. While betting can be enjoyed in moderation, all the evidence is that it becomes increasingly addictive and ingrained in the behaviour of people, particularly with online betting. The companies that organise these activities are highly sophisticated and run by highly qualified people with professional qualifications. It is taking candy off a kid - there is no doubt about it.

I am sure the Minister remembers the Kilmartin betting chain. Mr. P.J. Kilmartin, when he was aged 12, used to run for the patients in St. Vincent's Hospital on St. Stephen's Green up to Joe Byrne's bookie's with their bets. He noticed, at that young age, that he brought more money to Joe Byrne's than he took back. That is how he got involved in betting. That was very simple and straightforward, unsophisticated marketing of that activity.

We have to be honest about this. We have to bring it forward rather than kick it out. The vested interests will be persuasive. They will try to bend the Minister's elbow and try to frame the validation of their activities with all sorts of issues, such as that it supports horse racing and horse breeding. I remember, as a visitor to the Visitors Gallery in Dáil Éireann some years ago, listening to a speech by a socialist Deputy on the Bord na gCon legislation pointing out that the problem facing Irish society was not one that needed horses to be fitter and better for racing, but that needed children to have more financial support through the GAA clubs and other clubs for their activities to prevent obesity and ill health. That is correct.

We should be thinking in fundamental directions for this society to make it healthier and fairer and to distribute income. There is no doubt that those at the top are increasing the concentration of their wealth and, therefore, their power, and, therefore, their influence in society. Those who are less fortunate have become more burdened by indirect taxes and stealth taxes. I take the opportunity to remind the Minister that throughout my period before I earned my exit from Fine Gael, involuntarily, I used to point out that those on higher incomes should pay higher taxes and that corporates should pay taxes, as they will bear them. I hope the Taoiseach has read the book I gave him before Christmas, in which Joseph Stiglitz points this out with evidence and facts. It is not opinion. It is shown that economies that are more distributive will actually grow quicker and better economically as well as socially. That is a fact and one that should be taken on board. I implore the Minister, seriously, to take this on board.

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