Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is interesting to note that under the 1956 Act slot machines were prohibited and that was then changed in 1970. We are referring to slot machines and gaming machines. Section 149(2) states the Minister may, by regulation, vary the amount specified. I am not an expert in identifying what is the appropriate amount that will be effective in trying to tackle compulsive gambling. However, that is a matter the Minister of State might need to look at. It might be the case that one does not specify the amount in the primary legislation and leave it for ministerial regulation. Section 14(2) allows for that. However, it needs to be looked at.

I take the Minister of State's point that even if we say nobody can place a bet of more than €2 on a slot machine, there is nothing to stop a person from sitting at the machine all day and repeatedly putting €2 into it. What is the stake on slot machines in arcades at present? Presumably, it has to be in coins. There is a problem. Nobody wishes to stop summer time arcades where people can win and have some fun, but what we want to stop or deter is compulsive gambling. A bigger place where that can occur is probably online, but we must do something. We are withdrawing the amendments, but the Minister of State might give them consideration. We are all happy to discuss them with him.