Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the representatives from the Irish Bookmakers Association for appearing before us. I wish to focus on the online element of its business. Is it fair to say that there are members of the association that have an online presence? Could the representatives outline how the new online betting tax is bedding down? Are there difficulties in its administration or do they find it more straightforward? It is probably difficult for the Irish Bookmakers Association because in some ways, the retail bookmaker is almost in competition with the online element, a competition they have been losing in recent times. We have many discussions here about urban regeneration and about how our regional towns are struggling.

Only this morning I was talking to a couple of local businesses who sell menswear. They told me that the online market is killing business for them because people now have more confidence in going online and are better able to do so. That is no different in the case of the bookmaking business. This is a trend that will not be stopped easily and it is a challenge for businesses and their employees.

I ask Ms Byrne to outline how the online tax element is setting in for the association's members. There is a need for a symbiotic relationship between the horse racing and betting industries in both their interests. I acknowledge the very significant cost of media rights which is crucial for the ongoing operation of the racecourses. When bookmaking firms sponsor some of the bigger races they bring an added dimension to the promotion of those events. The industry at times finds it easy to bash the bookmaking sector but it would be in both their interests if they were to work closer together. It is in the interests of horse racing if the bookmaking industry continues to sponsor events and it is in the interest of the bookmakers if Irish racing remains the top brand. I ask Ms Byrne to outline her experience of the online element.