Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am heartened by the contributions I am hearing here today. In reality, and it is important we do not lose the context of this, the vast majority of people enjoy a bet once or twice a year, whether it is on the Grand National, the All-Ireland Football Final or whatever the case may be, and they do so safely. What I am trying to get to today, and I am encouraged by what I am hearing, is that the industry per seis looking forward, dare I say it, to the regulator coming on board and this legislation being put in place. I am heartened by that.

No more than somebody who has an addiction to alcohol, there will always be an avenue whereby the person will find an outlet. This is a harsh reality that none of us can get away from. I will wait to see how this pans out but, to be fair to everyone here, I am encouraged by what I hear. I sincerely hope that it does what it says on the tin when all of this is ironed out. I thank the witnesses for their contributions.