Mr. Mike O'Kane:

Thank you, Chairman, and committee members. I am here to support Ms Byrne. As one can tell from my appearance, I have been in the industry a long time. I started as a bookmaker in 1975, hence my aged appearance. I have a wide range of experience both in Ireland, the UK and Europe in terms of funding, media rights and the relationship between tax and regulation. I wish to give a personal overview on some of the comments made. I sit on the levy board and the bookmakers committee in the UK. I am also a member of the media rights buying committee in the UK so I understand all the issues.

The point must be made that the relationship between all parties present is symbiotic. I hope the committee appreciates that is what is required. The issue is how one ensures that all parties are successful and grow their share of revenue in the industry. Bookmakers are a key player both in terms of the tax that is generated from the consumer and shops but also from media rights. It was indicated that approximately €30 million comes from media rights to Irish racing. The longevity of the contract from 2017 onwards will depend on the quality of the product presented both to Irish bookmakers and UK and European bookmakers. I would like to see coming through in the amendments-----