Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to refer to amendment No. 68 too. Obviously if one is betting online, one can do so 24 hours a day whereas bookmakers' shops can only open for a restricted number of hours. The playing field is not level in that respect. Amendment No. 68 proposes to extend the opening hours of bookmakers and I support that. However, I agree with Deputy Doherty on the issue of the gambling control Bill, which should be brought forward without delay. The latest word from Government is that the Bill will be published in the middle of 2015.

The societal consequences from the adverse effects of gambling, such as gambling addition and the need to protect vulnerable people, should be considered part of this issue. The decision not to include it is deeply regrettable. Hardly a week goes by without reading in the mainstream media about lives being destroyed, houses being repossessed, families divided and massive financial debts that have been built up through gambling addiction. The issue should be dealt with in parallel with the extension of opening hours. We have been told the Bill will not be ready for another six to eight months, which is regrettable. I know the Department of Finance is not involved, rather it is the Department of Justice and Equality, but the issue is integral to this debate.