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

I move amendment No. 5:

In page 13, line 39, after “effect” to insert “, save where the licensee utilises an agent to conduct the lottery on its behalf”.

While they are not grouped, the amendments are closely connected to amendments Nos. 7 and 8 and it will be necessary to refer to them.

The amendment arises from being contacted by the Bingo Association of Ireland. Its concern is that the situation for bingo game organisations was not properly anticipated or considered adequately. Some of the organisations are commercial and often run bingo games on behalf of charitable organisations. Their concern is that they are not covered because they will not be the licensee but an agent of the licensee and will be unable to run the bingo games on behalf of the licensee. They believe they are not covered and are legitimately concerned.

With regard to amendment No. 7 and the dynamics of bingo games, under the legislation, as drafted, 50% is the maximum figure for prizes. The association's view - I am not an expert - is that for a bingo game to be attractive, the prize must be in the range of 60% to 70%. It believes an adequate number of people will not be got through the door, unless the pot is 60% to 70% because that is what is expected.

There is a difference between my amendment and that of Deputy O'Callaghan. My understanding is the figure of 40% included in my amendment and the expenses incurred in promotion and so forth includes the payments that would be made to the charitable organisation on behalf of which the licensee was acting. Perhaps the wording requires work to clarify-----