Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 67:

In page 78, between lines 34 and 35, to insert the following:"57.The Minister shall, within one month of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before Dáil Éireann a report on options available for the introduction of a rate of 3 per cent betting duty for online and in-shop bets to be paid by the customer.".

I welcome the decision to bring online betting into the betting tax space. In my party's alternative budget we proposed that a 3% tax be paid by the punter. My party has engaged massively with many of the smaller firms operating within the industry. We have heard the view that a 1% turnover tax on a small firm could equate to a tax of 20% or 30% on the profits made by that firm. Therefore, we have decided that a 3% tax should be paid by the punter. That would lift the weight from the smaller operator or bookie and create a level playing field. The proceeds of such a tax could be used to fund the horseracing industry or resource services for people with gambling addictions, etc. It would establish greater revenues. There is a concern, especially among smaller operators in this sector, that one or two very large players in the gambling industry have a great deal of influence and control. It has been suggested they potentially have the ear of the Government. Does the Minister agree that it would be economically beneficial to small businesses that are trying to create jobs and that it would improve the market structure if the burden was not placed on small operators in the manner in which it is currently placed on them?