Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State should consider tabling amendments on Report Stage, although I take the point he has made. There are well-run clubs and there are fly-by-night clubs. There are people who come along and join on the night and so on. There are major issues with some of the casinos. Some are better run and manage their members well and would be bona fides private members' clubs.

There seems to be something of a contradiction to my mind in what the Minister of State said. He referred to unintended consequences but such consequences could arise if matters are left as they currently stand. It seems that it could be a criminal offence to organise gaming even with a valid permit or licence. Would it not make sense to include in this Bill a form of licensing for the sector prior to whatever is eventually proposed in the gambling control Bill? Those who contacted me are concerned about the uncertainty. All the unintended consequences to which the Minister of State referred could arise as things stand. There is a justifiable call for clarity and reassurance. The best way to provide this would be if the Minister of State brought forward a regulatory framework for the sector within this legislation for Report Stage. That is what should happen.