Ms Sharon Byrne:

We need the regulator to ensure that our codes of practice and the new codes of practice the regulator will bring in apply to all operators. I can only encourage my members to adhere to the various codes we have brought in. I ask the committee to believe me when I say those codes are effective and are working. I must appear on Google when a customer googles, "How to complain about a bookie" because my phone rings every day of the week. A person might tell me that Paddy Power has asked for a wage slip and will not let that person have a bet until he or she supplies the wage slip. Another person might tell me that someone in the bookmaker's took them into the corner and told them over a cup of tea that they have a gambling problem. That person then might talk about suing the bookmaker for defamation. I regularly get communications like that. We must ensure that the codes and guidance apply to all operators.

Deputy Kenny also referred to problem gambling rates and what codes of practice should apply to punters. Research has been conducted by the Gambling Commission. Recent Irish research was published a few weeks ago. It would be helpful to see regulator-led research that would be purely Irish. The regulator will need such research to arm itself with facts and evidence so that it can make decisions for Irish punters based on Irish evidence. That would be the safest and most effective route for the regulator and the operators.